Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary, saying he would guarantee that an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu would "not be observed".
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary, saying he would guarantee that an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu would "not be observed".
The ICC issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Netanyahu and his former defence chief, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.
Orban, whose country holds the European Union's rotating six-month presidency, told state radio that the ICC's arrest warrant was "wrong" and said the Israeli leader would be able to conduct negotiations in Hungary "in adequate safety".
"Today I will invite Israel's prime minister, Mr. Netanyahu, for a visit to Hungary and in that invite I will guarantee him that if he comes, the ICC ruling will have no effect in Hungary, and we will not follow its contents," Orban said.
Since Orban and his nationalist Fidesz party swept to power in 2010, he and Netanyahu have forged close political relations. Netanyahu visited Budapest in 2017.
Israeli leaders and the White House have strongly condemned the ICC decision, while EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants were not political and that all EU member states should respect and implement the court decision.
Within the EU, Hungary and the Czech Republic have been strong backers of Israel, while countries such as Spain and Ireland stress their support for the Palestinians.
The Czech Foreign Ministry, responding to the ICC decision, said Prague would respect its international legal obligations.
However, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the ICC decision "unfortunate", saying on X late on Thursday: "(The move) undermines its authority in other cases when it equates the elected representatives of a democratic state with the leaders of an Islamist terrorist organization."
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has secured a $130 million contract to supply advanced rocket munitions to an undisclosed European country.
Israeli citizens have protested outside the Knesset and Prime Minister’s residence against a controversial law that would alter the judicial appointment committee, a move critics warn could shift power within the judiciary and spark a constitutional crisis.
The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for a series of missile and drone attacks, targeting Ben Gurion airport in Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in the federal case against Luigi Mangione, who is charged in connection with the death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione denies state charges and faces a separate federal indictment.
The head of IATA downplayed concerns that potential US trade tariffs would disrupt the ongoing surge in travel demand. While acknowledging added uncertainty, he suggested that Trump’s policies might ultimately benefit the airline industry by promoting consolidation and regulatory changes.
Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) leads in a new opinion poll, but still falls short of a parliamentary majority ahead of the May 18 snap election. The AD’s support rose to 34.4%, while the Socialist Party (PS) trails at 27.8%.
The European Union is prepared to retaliate against U.S. tariffs but prefers a negotiated resolution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She warned that U.S. tariffs would fuel inflation and harm jobs while urging the EU to remove internal trade barriers.
Manchester City remain optimistic about Erling Haaland’s return before the season ends. The 24-year-old striker, who injured his left ankle against Bournemouth, is set to miss upcoming matches but is expected to recover in time for the Club World Cup and help City's push for a Champions League spot.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met with the EU’s special representative for Central Asia to discuss investment, trade, and regional cooperation. Both sides emphasized digitalization, climate policy, and infrastructure projects, reaffirming their commitment to deeper economic ties.
As the EU-Central Asia summit approaches, European experts highlight growing economic, geopolitical, and energy interests in the region. With increasing bilateral agreements and investment, Europe aims to enhance cooperation while promoting stability, trade, and regional integration.
Azerbaijan is rising as a global leader in pomegranate production and export, with Forbes highlighting its ideal climate, government support, and growing international demand. With premium-quality produce and sustainable farming, Azerbaijan is shaping the future of the global pomegranate market.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Digital Development met with a delegation from Karamay, China, to discuss collaboration in cloud computing, data processing, and digital governance. Both sides shared experiences and invited each other to major IT events in 2025.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in the federal case against Luigi Mangione, who is charged in connection with the death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione denies state charges and faces a separate federal indictment.
The head of IATA downplayed concerns that potential US trade tariffs would disrupt the ongoing surge in travel demand. While acknowledging added uncertainty, he suggested that Trump’s policies might ultimately benefit the airline industry by promoting consolidation and regulatory changes.
Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) leads in a new opinion poll, but still falls short of a parliamentary majority ahead of the May 18 snap election. The AD’s support rose to 34.4%, while the Socialist Party (PS) trails at 27.8%.
The European Union is prepared to retaliate against U.S. tariffs but prefers a negotiated resolution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She warned that U.S. tariffs would fuel inflation and harm jobs while urging the EU to remove internal trade barriers.
Manchester City remain optimistic about Erling Haaland’s return before the season ends. The 24-year-old striker, who injured his left ankle against Bournemouth, is set to miss upcoming matches but is expected to recover in time for the Club World Cup and help City's push for a Champions League spot.
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