In a move that has stirred global reaction, Hungary has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, ICC, becoming the first European Union member state to do so.
The announcement coincided with the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest for a state visit.
A senior official in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s administration confirmed the decision just hours after Netanyahu landed. The Israeli leader is currently facing an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Orban had dismissed the warrant when it was first issued in November 2024, stating it held “no effect” in Hungary.
During a joint press briefing with Netanyahu, Orban described the ICC as a “political court,” criticizing the institution’s issuance of an arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister.
He claimed the decision was driven by political motives rather than justice, reinforcing Hungary’s increasingly skeptical stance toward international institutions.
Netanyahu praised Hungary’s move as “bold and principled,” calling it a necessary step for democratic nations unwilling to bow to what he labeled a “corrupt organisation.”
He and Orban also held discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing potential further steps regarding the ICC’s influence.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, commended Hungary’s decision, calling it a “strong moral stance” in solidarity with Israel. He accused the ICC of targeting Israel unfairly and undermining the country’s right to defend itself amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
READ ALSO: Israeli airstrike hits Gaza hospital
Despite Hungary’s withdrawal decision, the ICC’s legal operations remain unaffected. The Rome Statute, which established the court, outlines that formal withdrawal takes one year following written notice to the UN Secretary General. Hungary has yet to submit that notification.
Reactions from the European bloc have been mixed. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, criticized Hungary’s announcement, calling it a setback for international criminal law.
She emphasized that EU member states are expected to uphold the Rome Statute and that no individual should be considered above the law.
The visit to Hungary marked Netanyahu’s first to a European nation since the ICC issued the warrant. While several ICC member states, including some in Europe, have declared their willingness to arrest him, others—such as Germany—have stated they will not enforce the warrant.
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military offensive in Gaza, with deadly strikes reported across the Palestinian territory. The conflict, which began on October 2023, after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, has since claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives, according to health officials in Gaza.
Reported by BBC
