Netanyahu to pay official visit to Hungary despite ICC warrant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will pay an official visit to Hungary from April 2 to 6, at the invitation of his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban, Orban's press office said on Monday, reported Xinhua.

During his visit, Netanyahu is expected to hold talks with Orban, focusing on deepening bilateral cooperation in defense, innovation, energy, and trade. Regional security and developments in the Middle East are also on the agenda.

The visit comes amid international scrutiny over an arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC issued the warrants last November against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of committing "crimes against humanity and war crimes" in Gaza. Hungary will become the first European country to host Netanyahu since the ICC issued the arrest warrant.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reiterated earlier this year that Hungary continues to welcome the Israeli leader despite the warrant.

He also said the ICC's move "discredited the institution" and confirmed it as "a politically motivated body," adding that such decisions would affect Hungary's future cooperation with the court.

Hungary has consistently backed Israel in the European Union fora and expressed strong support for its right to self-defense.