Hungary to Exit ICC as Orban Hosts Netanyahu Despite Arrest Warrant
Hungary has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Budapest. This marks Netanyahu’s first trip to Europe since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him in May 2024 for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity.
Despite being a signatory to the Rome Statute, which obligates member states to detain ICC fugitives, Hungary chose to welcome Netanyahu with full honors. He was greeted with a red carpet ceremony at Budapest’s historic Buda Castle, reaffirming Hungary’s unwavering support for Israel.
The country’s pro-Israel stance is evident across Budapest, with posters commemorating victims of the October 7 attacks and yellow ribbons adorning the Holocaust memorial by the Danube River in solidarity with Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Hungary’s ICC Withdrawal: A European First
Hungary’s State Secretary for International Communication and Relations, Zoltan Kovacs, confirmed that the withdrawal process would begin immediately, aligning with Hungary’s constitutional and international legal framework. If completed, Hungary will become the only European Union member state outside the ICC.
The EU remains divided over the ICC arrest warrants. While countries like Ireland and Spain have pledged to detain Netanyahu if he enters their borders, others, such as France and Germany, question the court’s jurisdiction over Israel, which is not an ICC member.
International Reactions and U.S. Stance
Over 120 nations recognize the ICC’s authority, but major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia remain non-members. The U.S. has strongly opposed the arrest warrant against Netanyahu, with both the Biden and Trump administrations criticizing the court’s decision. Trump even imposed sanctions on ICC officials investigating American allies.
Alongside Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also faces an ICC warrant. The court has similarly targeted Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, all of whom were killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Hungary’s decision signals a significant geopolitical shift, raising questions about the future of the ICC’s authority and EU unity on international justice.