March 31, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to travel to Hungary on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, according to The Times of Israel. The agenda reportedly centers on gaining Hungary’s support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza relocation plan, though details remain scarce and Orbán’s stance on accepting Palestinian refugees appears skeptical.
This visit marks Netanyahu’s first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024 for alleged war crimes. Despite Hungary’s obligations under the ICC’s Rome Statute, Orbán has publicly vowed not to enforce the warrant, extending an invitation to Netanyahu instead.
A Complex Diplomatic Dance
An anonymous source cited by The Times of Israel revealed that Netanyahu aims to rally a coalition of nations behind Trump’s Gaza vision, which initially proposed relocating Palestinians and redeveloping the region into a U.S.-controlled zone, possibly featuring casinos and resorts. Trump has since softened his rhetoric, denying plans for forced relocation, but the proposal remains a lightning rod. Given Orbán’s staunch anti-immigration record, analysts question whether Netanyahu will push for Hungary to accept Gazans—or if the talks will focus on broader geopolitical alignment.
Netanyahu’s visit, extending through Saturday and concluding Sunday, underscores the deep ties between the two leaders. Their relationship dates back to Netanyahu’s historic 2017 trip to Hungary—the first by an Israeli PM since communism’s fall—amid Orbán’s controversial anti-Soros campaign.
ICC Warrant Looms Large
Hungary’s refusal to honor the ICC warrant adds a layer of intrigue to the visit. As a Rome Statute signatory, Hungary is technically bound to arrest Netanyahu, yet Orbán’s defiance signals a willingness to prioritize bilateral relations over international pressure. This stance echoes his 2017 support for Netanyahu during a period of international criticism, suggesting a pattern of mutual political backing.
Trump’s Gaza plan, meanwhile, continues to stir debate. Initially pitched as a radical redevelopment scheme, it has drawn both intrigue and skepticism. Netanyahu’s efforts to secure Orbán’s buy-in could signal a broader strategy to legitimize the proposal among U.S. allies, even as its feasibility remains uncertain.
A History of Solidarity
The Netanyahu-Orbán alliance has weathered past controversies, including accusations of anti-Semitism leveled against Orbán in 2017. Netanyahu’s visit that year was seen by some as tacit support against liberal critics. Today, as reported by Planet Today, their meeting could again serve as a statement of defiance—this time against the ICC and broader opposition to Trump’s Middle East agenda.
Author: Planet Today Staff, with contributions from The Times of Israel.