Magyar Says Hungary Would Arrest Netanyahu if He Visits

Hungary’s change of government points to a clear shift in foreign policy. Prime Minister-designate Peter Magyar of the Tisza party said that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were to visit the country, he would have to face arrest under a 2024 warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The court accuses Netanyahu of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

According to the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN, the position marks a departure from the approach of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who shielded Netanyahu and even planned Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC.

Magyar said he intends to halt that move so the country can remain a member. He also stressed that membership carries clear obligations, including the execution of arrest warrants.

Asked what this would mean for Netanyahu’s planned visit this autumn - which he has already accepted - he said: “I made that clear to the Israeli prime minister.”

(pir)