Budapest: Hungary has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision that comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival in Budapest for a state visit.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a longtime ally of Netanyahu, had invited him to Hungary in November, just a day after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel has strongly rejected the charges, calling them politically motivated and accusing the court of bias.
As a founding member of the ICC, Hungary is technically required to enforce arrest warrants issued by the court. However, the ICC has no enforcement mechanism and relies on member states to comply voluntarily. Orbán has been clear that Hungary would not act on the warrant, describing the court’s decision as "brazen, cynical, and completely unacceptable."
On Thursday, Orbán’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, confirmed to Hungary’s state news agency MTI that the government would begin the formal process of leaving the ICC. The move follows Orbán’s earlier statements questioning Hungary’s involvement in an organization that is now subject to U.S. sanctions. The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in February, a move that Orbán cited as a reason to reconsider Hungary’s membership.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised Hungary’s decision, calling it a “strong moral stance” in support of Israel and sovereignty. Given Orbán’s firm control over Hungary’s parliament through his Fidesz party, the withdrawal process is expected to proceed without major opposition.
Netanyahu has enjoyed close ties with Orbán, who has previously blocked EU measures critical of Israel. The ICC’s arrest warrant accuses Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of crimes such as murder, persecution, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war against Gaza’s civilian population. According to Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli offensive has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza.
The ICC also issued a warrant for a Hamas leader in November, following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage. The Hamas leader was later confirmed dead.
