Hungary has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the country for an official visit. Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant over allegations of war crimes in Gaza, was welcomed with an official ceremony alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Hungary’s withdrawal process will begin on Thursday, following constitutional and international legal procedures. The decision to leave the ICC, a court which all 27 European Union members are parties to, entails passing a bill through Hungary’s parliament and formally notifying the UN Secretary General. Withdrawal will take effect one year after the notification.
The Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, mentioned that Hungary should fulfill its obligations to the ICC as long as it remains a member. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, praised Hungary for its decision, calling it a strong moral stance in support of Israel and the principles of justice and sovereignty. Israel’s government also views the ICC as having lost its moral authority due to its treatment of Israel’s right to self-defense. Netanyahu’s visit includes a tour of Budapest’s Holocaust Museum and political meetings, highlighting Hungary’s support for Israel amidst international criticism.
Hungary, which signed and ratified the ICC’s founding document, has argued that the law was never incorporated into Hungarian legal systems and thus cannot be enforced within the country. Prime Minister Orbán has consistently opposed the ICC’s ruling and has previously indicated his intent to withdraw Hungary from the court. Orbán’s unwavering support for Netanyahu and his nationalist views have led Hungary to frequently block EU statements or sanctions against Israel.
Netanyahu’s visit is his second trip abroad since the ICC issued warrants against him and his former defense chief. The Israeli Prime Minister’s visit is seen as an opportunity to demonstrate his global leadership despite international criticism of Israel’s actions in the war. The ICC faces challenges in enforcing its rulings, with division among EU nations on the issue of enforcing warrants, and only Burundi and the Philippines having left the ICC so far.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/03/hungary-to-pull-out-of-icc-as-netanyahu-visits-hungary
