Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks to the media next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Budapest, Hungary, April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Praises Hungary’s Decision to Withdraw from ICC
Visit to Hungary Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Hungary for its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during his visit to Budapest on Thursday. The visit marks a rare international trip for Netanyahu following the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant against him over allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a long-time ally of Netanyahu, extended the invitation despite the ICC’s charges. Hungary has rejected the possibility of arresting Netanyahu, referring to the warrant as “brazen.”
Hungary’s Withdrawal from the ICC During a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Orbán announced Hungary’s decision to completely withdraw from the ICC. The ICC, established over two decades ago, was created to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
“This is no longer an impartial court, a rule-of-law court, but rather a political court. This has become the clearest in light of its decisions on Israel,” Orbán stated.
Netanyahu’s office later reported that he and Orbán spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Hungary’s decision and discussed potential next steps concerning the ICC.
Israel’s Position on the ICC Charges Israel has rejected the ICC’s allegations, asserting that they are politically motivated and influenced by antisemitism. Israeli officials maintain that the ICC has undermined its legitimacy by targeting a democratically elected leader acting in self-defense.
“You stand with us at the EU, you stand with us at the UN, and you’ve just taken a bold and principled position on the ICC… It’s important for all democracies to stand up to this corrupt organization,” Netanyahu stated during his meeting with Orbán.
ICC and European Reactions The ICC responded to Hungary’s decision with concern, urging the country to remain a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.
The European Union remains divided on the ICC’s warrant for Netanyahu. Some member states have indicated they will uphold their commitments to the ICC, while others have expressed reservations. Italy has raised legal uncertainties, while France has suggested that Netanyahu may have immunity. Germany’s Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz has indicated he would seek a diplomatic resolution to facilitate Netanyahu’s travel without the risk of arrest.
Context of the ICC Arrest Warrants The ICC’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu was issued in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza following an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties and 251 hostages, with 59 still held in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. In retaliation, Israel’s military response has led to over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by health authorities in Gaza.
The ICC had also issued arrest warrants against Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar. Deif was confirmed deceased after the warrant’s issuance, while Haniyeh and Sinwar were reportedly killed before the legal process could proceed.
Reactions from Hamas Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by Israel and Western countries, condemned Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC. The group characterized the move as undermining international legal mechanisms designed to hold individuals accountable for war crimes.
Hungary’s withdrawal process is expected to take approximately one year, during which time it remains legally bound to ICC obligations, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. The decision marks a significant geopolitical development, potentially affecting Hungary’s standing within the European Union and its broader international relations.
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