Hungary withdraws from ICC during Netanyahu visit sparking global criticism

BUDAPEST — Hungary has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision that coincided with the official visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest. The move has triggered widespread international criticism and raised serious concerns about Hungary’s commitment to international justice.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán extended the invitation to Netanyahu last November, shortly after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader. The warrant accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict, including charges of murder, persecution, and the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

Despite being a founding member of the ICC, Hungary declared that it would not comply with the warrant, denouncing the Court’s decision as “brazen, cynical, and completely unacceptable.” The Orbán government has now submitted a bill to parliament to begin the formal withdrawal process, which could take up to a year. Until the withdrawal is complete, Hungary is still legally bound to cooperate with the ICC under international law.

The announcement has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights organizations and the Palestinian Authority, which called on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu and hand him over to the ICC.

Netanyahu’s visit marks his first trip to Europe since the warrant was issued. He has rejected the charges as politically motivated and rooted in anti-Semitism. During his visit, he praised Hungary’s decision, calling it “bold and principled.” Orbán echoed this sentiment, criticizing the ICC as a “political tool” rather than an impartial judicial institution.

Hungary’s withdrawal has reignited debate about the ICC’s role and effectiveness. Critics argue the Court lacks enforcement power and depends heavily on member states to implement its rulings. Hungary now joins a short list of countries—including Burundi and the Philippines—that have exited the ICC, highlighting the challenges facing global accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Netanyahu is expected to return to Israel on Sunday, concluding his controversial visit.

The decision has also strained Hungary’s relationship with the European Union, which regards the ICC as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Analysts view Orbán’s move as a shift toward sovereigntist politics and a strengthening of alliances with leaders like Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Hungary proceeds with its withdrawal, international observers warn that the move could undermine the ICC’s credibility and complicate the global pursuit of justice for the victims of war crimes.