Hungary has chosen to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), as announced by a government official close to Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This move follows the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hungary for a state visit, noting that Netanyahu is subject to an ICC arrest warrant. Orban had previously stated that the ruling would have no effect in Hungary. In November, ICC judges determined that there was sufficient evidence to suggest Netanyahu’s involvement in potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC, established to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, includes 125 member states, with Hungary becoming the first European Union nation to withdraw. Israel, like the US, Russia, China, and North Korea, is not part of the ICC, although the court ruled in 2021 that it holds jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Withdrawal from the ICC requires Hungary to formally notify the UN Secretary-General, taking effect after one year. Despite the warrant, there is no guarantee that member states will enforce ICC arrests. Hungarian authorities welcomed Netanyahu upon his arrival, marking his first visit to Europe since the warrant was issued. It is worth noting that the White House has rejected the ICC’s decision, and Netanyahu has continued to visit the US since November. Israeli authorities are contesting the arrest warrant, denying the ICC’s authority and the legitimacy of the warrants. Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary coincides with Israel’s escalation of its military actions in Gaza.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c807lm2003zo