Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to arrive in the Hungarian capital late Wednesday night, but according to Hungarian media, he will land at Liszt Ferenc International Airport early on Thursday (April 3) morning. The visit is the first by the Israeli leader in Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him last November. Despite Hungary being an ICC member, Budapest is unlikely to enforce the arrest warrant due to a legal loophole preventing the full application of the Rome Statute.

While the reason for the delay remains unclear, speculation suggests it may be linked to his testimony in the so-called Qatargate case, leftist daily Nespszava learned. The case involves allegations that several of Netanyahu's current and former advisors received payments from Qatari sources via a US company in exchange for portraying Qatar favorably and Egypt negatively during negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to hold a confidential meeting in Budapest with an official from a third country, who is traveling to the Hungarian capital specifically for the talks, The Times of Israel reports. Citing an anonymous source, the outlet did not reveal the official's identity or country of origin.

The Orban government, a close ally of Netanyahu, is reportedly considering using the visit to announce Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC, following the example of the United States.

Hungary, under Viktor Orban's tenure has consistently backed Israel in the EU, often blocking joint European statements critical of Israeli policies. Hungary, along Czechia have been the only EU members to consistently offer unwavering support for the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.  Prague and Budapest have frequently blocked EU efforts to adopt a unified stance criticising Israel,

Hungary's alignment with Israel could exacerbate existing divisions within the EU regarding Middle East policy. Countries like France, Ireland and Spain are pushing for stronger action against Israel.

By demonstrating that some European countries are willing to engage with him despite the warrant, Netanyahu could undermine the credibility of international legal actions against him. This may set a precedent that other allies, including in the US and elsewhere, could follow.

Hungary and Israel have strong economic and military ties, particularly in cybersecurity and defence technology. The visit could lead to further agreements or commitments in these sectors, bolstering Israel’s strategic partnerships in Central Europe.

A strengthened Netanyahu-Orban alliance could further limit the EU’s ability to adopt unified positions, making it harder for Brussels to pressure Israel diplomatically, Nepszava writes.

The Times of Israel and Radio Free Europe have also reported that the Hungarian government could use Netanyahu’s visit as an opportunity to announce the country's withdrawal from the ICC, following the lead of the United States. ICC responded that it does not comment on media reports.

The Israeli PM will have official engagements running until Friday evening. He is expected to observe the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday before departing for Israel on Sunday, April 6.