From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 3, 2025
In Budapest, PM praises Orban’s ‘bold, principled’ decision to withdraw from ICC
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Standing alongside Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praises Hungary’s “bold and principled position” in withdrawing from the International Criminal Court earlier today.
It is “important to stand up to this corrupt organization,” says Netanyahu.
“This is important for all of civilization as we fight this battle against barbarism,” he continues, adding that he doesn’t think Hungary will be the last state to leave the ICC.
Netanyahu also praises Orban, who has been accused of using antisemitic messages in political campaigns, for his “very bold stance against antisemitism.”
He also says that Orban provides the local Jewish community not only with security but also with the ability to conduct Jewish life.
“We are fighting a similar fight for the future of our common civilization,” says Netanyahu, echoing Orban’s oft-stated position on the importance of defending the values of Christian Europe.
That civilization, says Netanyahu, is “under assault from radical Islam,” spearheaded by Iran.
At the beginning of his remarks, Netanyahu speaks about the Holocaust as part of their common history but doesn’t mention Hungary’s collaborationist government in World War II.
The Times of Israel Community.