Hungary Announces ICC Exit Amid Netanyahu Visit, Defying Arrest Warrant

Hungary has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move coinciding with Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest, according to Bloomberg.

The visit comes despite an outstanding ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, issued over his handling of the conflict with Hamas.

Cabinet Minister Gergely Gulyas announced the decision via Facebook, stating that the government will initiate the withdrawal process “in line with the guidelines of the constitution and international law.”

Orban welcomed Netanyahu to the Hungarian capital with a post on Facebook, assuring him of safety “in Budapest.” This marks Netanyahu’s first foreign trip outside the US since the October 2023 attack by Hamas that triggered the war in Gaza. He chose Hungary, a fellow right-wing ally of US President Donald Trump, as his destination. All three leaders have previously condemned the ICC’s ruling seeking Netanyahu’s detention for alleged war crimes.

As a signatory to the ICC’s founding charter, Hungary would ordinarily be obliged to arrest Netanyahu upon arrival. However, Orban has dismissed the warrant from the outset, inviting Netanyahu for an official visit with a guarantee that he would not be apprehended.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Hungary’s decision to leave the ICC, stating on X that it demonstrates their support for Israel.

However, the Netherlands, the host nation of the ICC, expressed its disapproval. Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Veldkamp said that the Netherlands “deeply regrets” Hungary’s decision and noted that the withdrawal process would take approximately a year. He added:

“Until then, Hungary will have to comply with the obligations that come with being a member.”

The ICC issued the arrest warrant for Netanyahu, alleging “crimes against humanity and war crimes” in connection with his handling of the conflict with Hamas.

The war began with the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and has caused widespread destruction and displacement of the territory’s 2.2 million residents.

Like the United States, Israel is not a signatory to the ICC and argues that the court lacks jurisdiction because Israel possesses an independent judiciary capable of investigating alleged war crimes. The ICC contends that Israel has overlooked the killing of civilians in Gaza, necessitating intervention – a claim Israel denies.