Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Hungary for its “courageous and principled” choice to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during his visit to Budapest on Thursday. Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, was invited by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch right-wing leader.
Hungary, a founding member of the ICC, has firmly rejected the notion of arresting Netanyahu, denouncing the warrant as “audacious.” Orban, in sync with Netanyahu’s visit, declared Hungary’s complete withdrawal from the ICC, criticizing the court’s shift from an impartial judicial body to a politicized entity, particularly evident in its decisions concerning Israel.
During the visit, Orban and Netanyahu engaged in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing Hungary’s departure from the ICC and exploring potential future actions on the matter. Israel has vehemently refuted the ICC’s accusations, branding them as politically biased and driven by anti-Semitic sentiments. Netanyahu emphasized the significance of democratic nations standing against what he termed a “corrupt organization.”
The ICC’s Presidency of the Assembly of State Parties expressed reservations about Hungary’s decision, urging the country to remain committed to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty. Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary marks only his second international trip since the issuance of the warrants, following a visit to Washington in February to meet with Trump. Orban had hinted at Hungary’s potential exit from the ICC after Trump imposed sanctions on the court’s prosecutor in February.
Meanwhile, European Union countries have displayed divided opinions on the ICC warrant, with some reaffirming their commitments, while others, like Italy and France, expressing legal uncertainties and belief in Netanyahu’s immunity. Germany’s incoming chancellor has pledged to find a solution to enable Netanyahu’s visits without risking arrest.
ICC judges cited reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu and his former defense chief were culpable for criminal acts, including murder and persecution, as part of a systematic assault on Gaza’s civilian population. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and widespread devastation, with Hamas condemning Hungary’s withdrawal as a blow to international justice.
The ICC also issued an arrest warrant against Hamas leader Mohammed Deif in November, with subsequent requests to apprehend other Hamas officials thwarted by their deaths in Israeli actions.