Netanyahu leaves Hungary for Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left Budapest on Sunday for the United States to discuss tariffs and Iran with President Donald Trump, following a four-day visit to Hungary. "I have just concluded a very important visit to Hungary," said Netanyahu in a statement at the end of his trip, adding that cooperation in ammunition production was also discussed.

This marked Netanyahu's first visit to Europe since 2023. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warmly welcomed his Israeli counterpart on Thursday, despite Netanyahu being targeted by an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Upon Netanyahu's arrival, Hungary announced a procedure to withdraw from the ICC, a "courageous" decision praised by Netanyahu, who described it as important to stand up to this "corrupt organization."

Orban’s decision followed that of Donald Trump, who imposed sanctions on the ICC in February, accusing it of "illegitimate and unfounded actions." Netanyahu and Orban had a phone call with Trump.

During his four-day visit to Budapest, Netanyahu met with Jewish community leaders, visited a Holocaust memorial, and was awarded an honorary degree by a university.

Hungarian police reported on Saturday the arrest of two French nationals suspected of hooliganism and vandalism after they tore down Israeli flags from a bridge. Netanyahu is now heading directly to the United States, where he will meet Trump on Monday to discuss new tariffs affecting Israel, as well as Iran and the ICC.

Netanyahu quitte la Hongrie pour se rendre à Washington