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November 25, 2024 | 08:51 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban has invited Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the country. Orban's invitation comes after the International Criminal Court or ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Hungary is a member of the ICC. This ICC ruling has caused different opinions among several European countries. Some countries stated that they would detain Netanyahu if he lands on European soil.
In addition to Netanyahu and Gallant, ICC also issued arrest warrants for Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. They are accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.
All European Union countries are members of the ICC, which means they are obliged to enforce the court's arrest warrant. However, their reactions vary. Several major EU countries like Germany and France have not stated whether they will arrest Netanyahu, but this ruling has drawn criticism from Israeli leaders and the White House.
"For us European citizens, this arrest warrant reveals a real dilemma between international law, which is our law, and our foreign policy, especially for member countries that unconditionally support Israel," wrote Eurointelligence analysts in a note cited from Reuters.
Orban assured Netanyahu that he would not face any risks if he visits Hungary. Orban denounced the arrest warrant as a rude, cynical, and completely unacceptable decision. Orban, who has often clashed with his counterparts in the European Union, has developed a warm relationship with Netanyahu.
"Today I will invite the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Netanyahu, to visit Hungary. In that invitation, I will guarantee to him that if he comes, the ICC ruling will not apply in Hungary, and we will not comply with it," said Orban.
ICC, which does not have its own police force for arrests, only has limited diplomatic means to compel countries to act if they refuse to enforce the ruling. Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Ireland, are among the EU countries that have stated they will fulfill their ICC commitments.
Netanyahu would be arrested if he sets foot in Ireland, according to Prime Minister Simon Harris to RTE radio. "Yes, of course. We support international justice, and we enforce their arrest warrants," said Harris.
Cyprus, which has close ties with Israel, considers the arrest warrant binding. However, Berlin refused to elaborate on what actions they would take unless Netanyahu plans to travel to Germany.
"Germany is one of the biggest supporters of the ICC, this attitude is also a result of Germany's history," a government spokesperson said.
"At the same time, this is a consequence of Germany's history that we have a unique relationship and great responsibility with Israel," added the spokesperson, referring to the Nazi era.
France is also not committed to arresting Netanyahu. On Friday they only stated they would take note of the ICC ruling, but it is not a verdict, merely a formalization of accusations.
In the Netherlands, right-wing leader Geert Wilders said he would soon meet his friend Netanyahu in Israel. However, the Dutch government has said they would follow up on the ICC arrest warrant if the Israeli leader visits the country.
The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Prague would respect its international legal obligations, while Prime Minister Petr Fiala described the ICC's decision as regrettable. He said it would undermine the authority of the court.
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