Hungary has announced that it will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), making it the first European Union (EU) nation to take such a step.
Hungary to Exit ICC as Netanyahu Visits Budapest
This declaration came as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest. Netanyahu, who is currently facing an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in Hungary for a four-day visit, marking his first trip to Europe since the warrant was issued.
The ICC, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, is responsible for prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. In May 2024, the court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging their involvement in war crimes, including “starvation as a method of warfare” and “crimes against humanity.”
As a signatory of the Rome Statute, Hungary was legally obligated to arrest Netanyahu upon his arrival. However, instead of taking such action, Orban extended a warm welcome to the Israeli leader. A grand ceremony at the Lion’s Court in Budapest’s historic Buda Castle featured a red carpet walk for Netanyahu, signaling Hungary’s strong diplomatic ties with Israel. The Hungarian government has long been one of Israel’s staunchest supporters in Europe, often aligning with its policies.
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Hungary’s Decision to Leave ICC
Hungary’s State Secretary for International Communication and Relations, Zoltan Kovacs, stated that the country would begin the official withdrawal process from the ICC on Thursday. The government claims this move is in line with Hungary’s constitutional and international legal obligations. If the exit is finalized, Hungary will be the only EU country not bound by the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within the European Union. Some EU nations, including Ireland and Spain, have declared that they would arrest Netanyahu if he set foot on their soil. Other countries, such as France and Germany, have been more cautious, questioning whether the ICC has jurisdiction over Israel, as the country is not a member of the court.
Hungary’s move is seen as a major shift in international legal dynamics. The ICC does not have its own enforcement mechanism and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants.
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By withdrawing from the court, Hungary eliminates any obligation to cooperate with its rulings. The decision raises questions about the court’s authority, as Hungary joins countries like the United States, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, which have never signed the Rome Statute.
International Arrest Warrants and Global Reactions
The ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu is unprecedented, as it marks the first time the court has targeted the leader of a close U.S. ally. The warrant places Netanyahu alongside figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, and former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, who faced ICC charges before his death in 2011.
The U.S. government, under both President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, has criticized the ICC’s actions against Netanyahu. Trump previously imposed economic and travel sanctions on ICC officials who investigated U.S. citizens and allies, reinforcing the country’s opposition to the court’s rulings.
In addition to Netanyahu, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for three top Hamas leaders: Yahya Sinwar, the group’s leader in Gaza; Mohammed Deif, commander of the Al Qassem Brigades; and Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas. All three were accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, since the beginning of the war, all three leaders have been killed by Israeli forces.
Hungary’s exit from the ICC is expected to reshape its role in international legal and diplomatic affairs. For now, Budapest remains firm in its decision, emphasizing its unwavering support for Israel. Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary is a testament to the close alliance between the two nations, despite ongoing international legal challenges.
