Amnesty International Urges Hungary to Arrest Netanyahu Amid ICC Warrant

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Amnesty International has urged Hungary to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his scheduled visit to the EU member state on Wednesday, citing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Netanyahu faces charges from the ICC, issued in November, related to Israel’s actions in Gaza, including allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite Hungary’s legal obligation as an ICC member to enforce the warrant, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Netanyahu, has indicated he will not comply.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s head of global research, advocacy, and policy, condemned the visit, stating that Netanyahu is accused of severe crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon, deliberately targeting civilians, and engaging in systematic persecution.

“Hungary must arrest him if he travels to the country and hand him over to the Court,” Guevara-Rosas said. “Any trip to an ICC member state that does not result in his arrest would only embolden Israel to continue its crimes against Palestinians.”

She criticized Hungary’s stance, calling the invitation an insult to the victims and a move that undermines international law. Guevara-Rosas warned that allowing Netanyahu to travel freely without consequences would set a dangerous precedent for human rights in Europe.

Amnesty International has also called on the ICC Prosecutor to ensure full accountability for alleged crimes committed by Israel, urging Hungary to uphold universal jurisdiction and prevent powerful leaders from evading justice.