Netanyahu Courts Hungary Amid ICC Storm, Ireland Blasts “Safe Passage” for Israeli PM
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s high-profile visit to Hungary this week has deepened political divides in Europe, with Ireland leading sharp criticism over his unchecked travel despite looming International Criminal Court (ICC) charges. The trip, framed as a diplomatic win for Netanyahu, drew outrage from human rights groups and governments accusing Europe of turning a blind eye to alleged war crimes.
Hungary’s Warm Welcome Contrasts With European Backlash
Netanyahu met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, cementing ties with one of Israel’s few EU allies. Orbán praised Israel’s “strength” and condemned “biased” international criticism of its Gaza campaign. Meanwhile, Hungary’s refusal to acknowledge ICC jurisdiction over Netanyahu—wanted for charges including “starvation as a method of warfare” and “crimes against humanity”—highlighted its pro-Israel stance.
Ireland’s Scathing Rebuke: “Europe Asleep at the Wheel”
Ireland, a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions, slammed European nations for allowing Netanyahu to travel freely. Amnesty International Ireland’s Executive Director, Stephen Bowen, accused EU leaders of failing their legal obligations:
“This wanted man cannot leave Hungary without travelling through sovereign territory or airspace of many European countries. These countries are obliged to secure his arrest… It is heartbreaking to see European leaders asleep at the wheel.”
Bowen urged nations to deny Netanyahu overflight rights, adding:
“We cannot allow Europe’s skies to be a safe haven for fugitives from international justice. If he flies through Irish airspace, it makes a mockery of us all.”
ICC Charges Loom Over Netanyahu’s Travel Plans
The ICC’s May 2024 arrest warrant accuses Netanyahu of authorizing tactics like blocking aid to Gaza civilians and systematic attacks on populated areas. While the court lacks enforcement power, signatory states—including most EU members—are technically bound to detain him. Yet Netanyahu’s flight path from Hungary reportedly crossed multiple European countries without incident, sparking accusations of “selective justice.”
Ireland’s Anti-Israel Stance Hardens
Ireland has emerged as one of Israel’s fiercest EU critics, recently recognizing Palestinian statehood and accusing Israel of “apartheid.” Bowen’s remarks reflect growing frustration with Europe’s fragmented response. Dublin has threatened to block Netanyahu’s plane from its airspace if en route to the U.S., though no formal request has been made.
Netanyahu’s Next Stop: Washington Tensions
The Israeli leader is expected to visit Washington soon, reigniting debates over U.S. support. His travel plans will test whether nations prioritize diplomacy over ICC obligations—and whether Ireland follows through on its threats.
Why This Matters?
Netanyahu’s European tour underscores the geopolitical rift over Israel’s Gaza war. While Hungary and the U.S. offer political cover, critics like Ireland argue that bypassing the ICC erodes global justice. As Bowen warned: “If leaders accused of atrocities move freely, what message does that send to victims?”
It’s ludicrous that Israel has to defend itself for defending it’s citizens from truly genocidal campaigns by the militant Muslim Gazans. A true death cult that’s supported even now by upwards of 70% of Gazan residents. The multitude of horrifying ways that Arab Muslims can treat any non-Muslims goes far beyond what any civilized human can stomach.
Nentanyahu has had many extremely difficult decisions to make since October 7 and he should be admired for standing up to the worldwide opposition and remaining steadfast in his goal to eradicate a brutal, even to their own people, and fanatic organization of religious zealots.
The fact that “Western” countries are largely financing and enabling Hamas and it’s affiliated organizations to continue massive military offensives against Israel and their financiers is unfathomable.