Brussels – On April 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Hungary, marking his first European trip since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him last November.

The visit will be facilitated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has expressed open defiance towards the ICC's authority and labeled the arrest warrant as 'shameful'.

This visit occurs as European leaders debate their approach to Netanyahu amid ongoing concerns over alleged war crimes related to the Israeli operations in Gaza.

In recent days, several notable European leaders have articulated their positions regarding the ICC's arrest warrant.

French President Emmanuel Macron has communicated with Netanyahu, emphasizing France's commitment to the security of Israel while also urging a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

Macron’s statements indicated a prioritization of hostages and security, alongside a push for a ceasefire.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has voiced skepticism regarding the applicability of the arrest warrant to Netanyahu, asserting that it should not be enforced during his current term in office.

This assertion aligns with a broader reluctance among EU member states to act against Netanyahu, with no country opting to sever diplomatic ties since the issuance of the warrant.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Greece and Israel amidst a backdrop of violence in Gaza which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 64 Palestinians around the time of their meeting.

During this encounter, discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in areas including defense.

Despite the ICC's jurisdiction being recognized by all 27 EU member states, the lack of unified action against Netanyahu marks a significant divergence from the treatment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faced international isolation following a similar warrant.

Germany’s next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has publicly contested the legitimacy of the ICC's warrant, asserting that it is 'completely absurd' for the Israeli prime minister to be barred from visiting Germany.

Merz's comments illustrate Germany's historical obligations towards Israel, shaped by the legacy of the Holocaust.

Furthermore, Orbán's anticipated discussions with Netanyahu include plans for Gaza's future, in line with controversial proposals stemming from former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration which suggests transformative changes to the Gaza Strip, potentially involving voluntary population relocation and tourism development.

This plan, however, runs counter to the European Union's stance, which supports the rights of the Gazan population and the Arab initiative for peace.

Netanyahu's upcoming visit, particularly the reception in Hungary, signals a growing rift within Europe regarding the enforcement of international law and the ICC's authority, as Orbán has previously indicated intentions to reassess Hungary's relationship with the court following U.S. sanctions against it.

The European Commission has reiterated the importance of cooperation with the ICC and the execution of outstanding arrest warrants, highlighting the complexities of balancing diplomatic relations with adherence to international legal principles.