Hungary Withdraws from ICC in Support of Netanyahu, Stirring Global Debate
Hungary has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), becoming the first European Union member state to take such a drastic step. The move coincides with the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is currently wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes during the Israel-Hamas war.
The announcement was made just hours after Netanyahu touched down in Budapest for a state visit, hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The timing was no coincidence. Orban, known for his nationalist policies and increasingly defiant stance toward international institutions, had invited Netanyahu shortly after the arrest warrant was issued last November.
Netanyahu, standing beside Orban at a joint press conference, hailed Hungary’s decision as “bold and principled,” adding, “It’s important for all democracies to stand up to this corrupt organisation.” The Israeli leader has long criticized the ICC’s jurisdiction, calling the charges against him “antisemitic” and a direct attack on Israel’s right to self-defense.
Orban echoed those sentiments, slamming the court as “politically motivated” and claiming the arrest warrant against Netanyahu exposed its bias.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, is a global court tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Hungary, a founding member, now begins the formal exit process by notifying the UN Secretary General, after which the withdrawal will take effect in one year under the terms of the Rome Statute.
A Turning Point in International Justice?
Hungary’s exit marks a significant moment in global legal and political relations. While the withdrawal does not affect existing cases, it undermines the ICC’s standing and could inspire similar moves by other skeptical nations.
The court maintains that Hungary is still obligated to arrest Netanyahu while it remains a member. Yet, Orban’s government has openly defied that expectation. Other ICC member states, such as Germany, have stated they would detain Netanyahu if he entered their territory, reinforcing the legal obligation across Europe.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Hungary’s announcement, calling it “a bad day for international criminal law.” She emphasized, “No one in Europe is above the law.”
Politics and Principle
Hungary’s alignment with Israel fits into a broader strategy under Orban, who has cultivated close ties with Netanyahu while challenging international institutions he views as threats to national sovereignty. The two leaders also reportedly spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss “next steps” on the issue, according to Netanyahu’s office.
Israel, not a member of the ICC, rejects the court’s legitimacy outright. The ICC ruled in 2021 that it has jurisdiction over Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank—territories recognized as under Palestinian authority by the UN.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza rages on. The conflict was sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has since resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza.
As Netanyahu’s government expands its military operations and Hungary distances itself from international justice norms, the world is left watching—wondering whether this moment marks an isolated political stunt or the beginning of a broader challenge to the ICC’s authority.
