Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday to protect Europe and its Middle East allies from what he called an "Iranian axis of evil."
“We will destroy the Iranian axis of evil that threatens Israel, Europe, and our partners in the Middle East,” Netanyahu told a joint press conference in Budapest with his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban.
“We are committed to destroying the Iranian axis and protecting Israel and Europe from it,” he added.
Netanyahu arrived in Hungary early Thursday for a four-day visit, despite an arrest warrant issued for him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli premier welcomed a decision by Hungary to exit the ICC, calling the move "a bold decision." He denounced the Hague-based court as "a corrupt and antisemitic organization."
Netanyahu also vowed to increase defense ties and cooperation with Hungary.
Netanyahu's visit to Hungary marks the first time he has set foot on European soil since the ICC issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu and hand him over to the ICC.
#Benjamin Netanyahu
#Hungary
#International Criminal Court (ICC)