During Netanyahu’s Visit Hungary Announces Withdrawal from International Criminal Court
BUDAPEST, Hungary — In a dramatic move coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official visit to Hungary, the Hungarian government announced on Thursday that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
By Shimon Levi
Opinion contributor··2 min read
The decision, delivered by Gergely Gulyás, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, was reported by Hungary’s state news agency MTI.
The withdrawal follows the ICC’s recent issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign against the Hamas terror organization. Hungary, a member state of the ICC, has chosen not to honor the warrant and instead extended an invitation for Netanyahu’s official state visit.
A Diplomatic Win for Netanyahu
Hungary’s move breaks with the Rome Statute—the founding treaty of the ICC—signed by all European Union member states. For Netanyahu, the development marks a significant diplomatic victory. It creates the first major rift in what had been a unified European stance on the ICC’s jurisdiction over Israeli officials.
Honor Guard Accompanied by Hungarian Prime Minister: Welcome Ceremony for Netanyahu | Footage (Photo: Roey Avraham / GPO)
The purpose of Netanyahu’s visit is to challenge international consensus on the ICC’s authority and to rally additional countries to support Israel’s position. Hungary’s action sends a powerful message questioning the court’s legitimacy.
Netanyahu to Stay in Hungary for Four Days
Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to remain in Hungary for a four-day diplomatic mission. Prime Minister Orbán has previously declared that his country will not comply with any ICC-issued warrant against Netanyahu and has pledged his government’s full protection during the visit.
The withdrawal is widely seen as a bold political move by Hungary, aligning with Netanyahu at a time when Israel faces mounting legal and diplomatic challenges on the international stage.
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