Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Budapest, Hungary on Sunday afternoon en route to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.
Netanyahu underscored the strategic importance of the visit, noting that he would be “the first international leader, the first foreign leader” to meet with Trump following the imposition of new U.S. tariffs. “I think this reflects the special personal bond and the unique relationship between the United States and Israel, which is so vital at this time,” he said.
The meeting is expected to focus on key issues, including the effort to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, the completion of Israel’s military objectives in Gaza and the implications of the newly imposed U.S. tariff regime on Israeli exports. “I hope I can help on this matter. That is my intention,” Netanyahu stated.
He also delivered a message of support to the families of Israeli hostages, saying: “We are thinking of their loved ones, we are working even at this very moment to secure their release, and we will not relent. With God’s help, we will act and we will succeed.”
The Washington visit comes on the heels of what Netanyahu called a “very important” diplomatic mission to Hungary. During his stay, he praised Hungary as “a great friend of Israel,” citing its efforts to support Israel in the European Union, the United Nations and what he described as “the corrupt International Criminal Court in The Hague.”
Significantly, Hungary became the first country to formally withdraw from the ICC during Netanyahu’s visit—an action he welcomed as “a sign of things to come” and “very significant support for the State of Israel.” He warned that the ICC “is targeting all of us—IDF soldiers, commanders, and the State of Israel—and is trying to deny us the right to self-defense.”
In meetings with Hungarian officials, Netanyahu discussed defense cooperation, including joint production of munitions to aid Israel’s operations in what he referred to as “the war on seven fronts.” The leaders also addressed the case of a Hungarian citizen reportedly being held hostage in Gaza, along with other issues of bilateral concern.
