Orban to Netanyahu: "The Jewish community in Hungary – the safest in Europe"

After Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived for a special visit to Hungary at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, despite international arrest warrants, the two held a joint celebratory statement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, and during their meeting, they issued joint statements highlighting the strengthening of relations between the two countries. Netanyahu expressed his deep commitment to securing the return of the hostages and thanked Orban for Hungary's strong stance against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the arrest warrants issued against senior Israeli officials. Orban, for his part, emphasized that the Jewish community in Hungary enjoys the highest level of security in Europe and committed to a policy of "zero tolerance" toward anti-Semitism. "In Hungary, Hamas flags have not been waved, and they will not be waved," Orban declared firmly.

"You stand by us in the European Union, at the UN, and you made a real and principled step against The Hague," Netanyahu praised Orban for Hungary's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. "This is an important decision for the whole world – to stand up to this corrupt institution that has acted against a defending democracy."

Netanyahu also highlighted the shared fight against terrorism and Iran: "We are fighting for the same values and for the future of humanity. It is under attack from radical Islam, which is backed by Iran." The Prime Minister mentioned Omri Miron, a Hungarian citizen among the hostages, and promised: "We are committed to bringing all the hostages back." Referring to the decision to withdraw from The Hague, Orban explained, "I was the Prime Minister who signed Hungary's accession to the court in 2000, and today I have become the Prime Minister who also signed our departure from The Hague." According to him, "The court has become a completely political court. The decisions made against Israel clearly pointed to this."

Orban also addressed the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe: "Anti-Semitism has increased in Europe over the past decade in dimensions we have never seen before. We protect all our citizens and focus on groups that feel a real threat."

The meeting highlights Hungary's position as one of Israel's staunchest supporters within the European community, especially during the current war and in light of the growing international criticism of Israel. The meeting also comes amid significant criticism of Hungary itself for hosting the meeting.