Hungary Withdraws from International Criminal Court Amid Netanyahu’s Visit

TDT | Manama

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Hungary’s government has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), following the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the country for a state visit. The announcement was made by a senior official in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government just hours after Netanyahu’s arrival.

This move comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2023, accusing him of criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The court's ruling indicated "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu was involved in actions leading to these crimes. Netanyahu has rejected the warrant, calling the ICC's decision "antisemitic."

Hungary, which is a founding member of the ICC, will become the first European Union country to pull out of the international tribunal. The ICC, established to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, currently has 125 member states. Notably, countries like the US, Russia, China, and North Korea have never been part of the ICC and do not recognize its jurisdiction. Israel also does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, though the court ruled in 2021 that it has authority over the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

Hungary's decision to withdraw comes after a continued stance of defiance against the ICC's actions. Prime Minister Orban had invited Netanyahu to Hungary immediately after the arrest warrant was issued, stating that the ruling would have "no effect" within Hungary. In line with the ICC's protocol, Hungary will need to notify the UN Secretary General of its decision to withdraw, and the process will take effect one year later, in accordance with Article 127 of the Rome Statute.

While Hungary’s stance has been clear, the move places it at odds with other ICC member states in Europe, some of which had pledged to arrest Netanyahu if he entered their countries. Germany, however, has indicated that it would not detain the Israeli leader during any visits.

Netanyahu’s trip to Hungary marks his first visit to Europe since the ICC issued the arrest warrant. Upon arrival in Budapest, Netanyahu was welcomed by Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, signaling Hungary’s continued support for the Israeli leader.

The White House also opposed the ICC’s decision, with U.S. officials making it clear that they did not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over Netanyahu.