Hungary Announces Withdrawal from ICC as PM Orban Hosts Israel’s Netanyahu Amid Arrest Warrant
Hungary Announces Withdrawal from ICC as PM Orban Hosts Israel’s Netanyahu Amid Arrest Warrant
Hungary has declared its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced Wednesday, during a joint press conference in Budapest with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is currently wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes.
Orban criticized the court, saying it has shifted from its original mission and become "a political tool."
“This very important court has been diminished to a political tool, and Hungary wishes to play no role in it,” Orban stated.
Netanyahu, currently facing an ICC arrest warrant, praised Hungary’s decision, calling it “bold and principled,” and commended the country’s unwavering support for Israel.
“This is important not just for us, but for all democracies,” Netanyahu said. “It’s important to stand up to this corrupt organization.”
The Israeli leader’s four-day visit to Hungary marks his first trip to Europe since the ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 against him, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three senior Hamas officials. The court cited “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and acts of persecution and murder.
Netanyahu has dismissed the charges as “absurd and antisemitic,” and his office has described the ICC as a “politically biased and discriminatory body.”
As a Rome Statute signatory, Hungary would technically be obligated to detain Netanyahu. However, the Israeli Prime Minister was welcomed with full honors, including a red-carpet ceremony at Buda Castle, highlighting the strong alliance between the two nations.
Hungary remains one of Israel’s staunchest allies in Europe, with widespread public support visible across Budapest—from posters commemorating the victims of the October 7 Hamas attack to yellow ribbons displayed in solidarity with hostages held in Gaza
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