Daijiworld Media Networt - Israeli

Israeli, Apr 2: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Hungary for a four-day visit, defying an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The visit comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in the region.

Hungary, a founding member of the ICC, is technically obligated to enforce the warrant, but Prime Minister Viktor Orban has openly dismissed the ruling, ensuring Netanyahu's safe visit.

Netanyahu, facing political turbulence at home over alleged ties between Qatar and three of his aides, will meet Orban before addressing a press conference. He has denied the accusations as "fake news," while Qatar has called them a "smear campaign."

Budapest has been ramping up security, with preparations at Buda Castle, where Netanyahu will receive military honors. His itinerary remains largely undisclosed, except for a planned visit to a Holocaust memorial.

This is only Netanyahu's second international trip since the ICC issued warrants against him and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant last November. His previous visit was to Washington in February. The United States, like Israel, is not an ICC member and opposes its jurisdiction over the matter.

Orban has staunchly backed Israel, calling the ICC's arrest warrants "brazen, cynical, and unacceptable." The ICC, however, maintains that its member states are legally bound to enforce its rulings.

Netanyahu’s visit coincides with Israel’s expanded military campaign in Gaza, including plans to seize parts of the enclave to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 59 hostages. The situation continues to fuel global protests and legal challenges, including South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.