Hungary Quits International Criminal Court As Netanyahu Is Welcomed

Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Prime Minister Viktor Orban's office confirmed Thursday, coinciding with the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a multiday visit.

Netanyahu, who is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, was greeted in the Hungarian capital of Budapest with full military honors.

The Netherlands-based court issued a warrant in November for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC cited evidence they used "starvation as a method of warfare" and deliberately targeted civilians by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel has denied the allegations.

Why It Matters

Hungary's move marks a rare rebuke of the ICC from within its own membership as international scrutiny intensifies over Israel's actions in Gaza.

By hosting Netanyahu and rejecting the court's authority, Hungary further isolates itself from much of the European Union on issues of the rule of law and international justice.

Both Netanyahu and Orban are aligned with a broader anti-institutional movement led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Their meeting is seen as a public rejection of the ICC's authority, which has issued only a handful of warrants against sitting world leaders. In March 2023, the ICC issued a similar arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over war crimes in Ukraine.

What To Know

Under the Rome Statute, ICC member states are required to arrest individuals subject to ICC warrants if they enter their territory. The court, however, lacks enforcement powers and relies on national authorities to comply.

Despite its obligation as an ICC member, Hungary chose to host Netanyahu and begin formal talks. The Israeli leader is expected to remain in the country until Sunday.

Orban has long criticized the ICC. After Netanyahu's warrant was announced, he accused the tribunal of "interfering in an ongoing conflict for political purposes."

Hungary has previously faced EU sanctions over judicial independence, media freedom, and corruption. The decision to welcome Netanyahu while announcing its withdrawal from the ICC underscores Budapest's broader challenge to international institutions.

Netanyahu faces growing protests at home over his decision to resume the war in Gaza, despite concerns for the remaining Israeli hostages.

In late March, Israel intensified its offensive, cutting off food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza's population of more than 2 million in a push to free the remaining hostages held there since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas.

What People Are Saying

The ICC has condemned Hungary's defiance.

Court spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said participating states cannot "unilaterally determine the soundness of the Court's legal decisions," according to an email to The Associated Press. "Participating states have an obligation to enforce the court's decisions."

Critics of Hungary's decision say it invites impunity.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, head of research, advocacy, policy and campaigns at Amnesty International, said in a statement: "Hungary's invitation shows contempt for international law and confirms that alleged war criminals wanted by the ICC are welcome on the streets of a European Union member state."

Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement: "Orban's invitation to Netanyahu is an affront to victims of serious crimes … Allowing Netanyahu's visit in breach of Hungary's ICC obligations would be Orban's latest assault on the rule of law, adding to the country's dismal record on rights.

"All ICC member countries need to make clear they expect Hungary to abide by its obligations to the court, and that they will do the same."

What Happens Next

Netanyahu is scheduled to remain in Hungary until Sunday. Orban's government has not announced a timeline for formal withdrawal from the ICC, but observers expect legal steps to begin immediately.

The ICC could refer Hungary's noncompliance to the court's Assembly of States Parties, as it did when other members failed to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Whether other EU members respond to Hungary's move remains to be seen, but it could renew calls for the European Commission to scrutinize rule-of-law breaches within the bloc.

This article uses reporting by The Associated Press.