Hungary's government announced on Thursday, April 3, 2025, that it will begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for a state visit. This decision marks a significant shift in Hungary's relationship with the ICC, which has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu over allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed Netanyahu with full military honors in Budapest's Castle District, showcasing the close ties between the two leaders. Orbán's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, confirmed that the government will initiate the withdrawal procedure, which could take a year or more to complete. This announcement coincides with Netanyahu's second foreign trip since the ICC issued the warrant against him in November 2024.
The ICC issued the warrant based on allegations that Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant committed crimes against humanity during the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages. In response, Israel's military operations have reportedly killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants.
During a joint news conference with Netanyahu, Orbán expressed his belief that the ICC has become a political court rather than an impartial judicial body. He stated, "I am convinced that this otherwise important international judicial forum has been degraded into a political tool, with which we cannot and do not want to engage." He further criticized the ICC for what he termed its interference in the conflict, saying it was a breach of Hungary's sovereignty.
Netanyahu praised Hungary's decision to withdraw from the ICC, calling it a "bold and principled decision." He expressed gratitude to Orbán for taking a stand against what he described as a corrupt organization targeting Israel. Netanyahu remarked, "You are the first state that walks out of this corruption and this rottenness, and I think it’ll be deeply appreciated, not only in Israel but in many, many countries around the world." This visit not only served as a diplomatic engagement but also as a platform for Netanyahu to bolster his image amid growing domestic discontent.
Netanyahu has faced mounting protests in Israel over his government's handling of the war in Gaza, with many citizens expressing concern that the military campaign endangers the lives of remaining hostages. Critics have accused him of attempting to consolidate power by sidelining officials and undermining the judiciary.
In the wake of the ICC's warrant, Orbán's invitation to Netanyahu was seen as a direct challenge to the court's authority and Hungary's obligations as a signatory. Hungary joined the ICC in 2001, during Orbán's first term as prime minister, but has since been criticized for not fully incorporating the court's rulings into its national law.
Despite Hungary's decision to withdraw, the ICC has reiterated that Hungary remains under a duty to cooperate with the court until the withdrawal process is complete. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah stated, "It is not for parties to the ICC to unilaterally determine the soundness of the Court’s legal decisions," emphasizing the legal obligations that still bind Hungary.
The decision to withdraw from the ICC comes amid a broader context of strained relations between the United States and the court. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC's prosecutor, Karim Khan, a move Orbán has framed as a reason to reconsider Hungary's participation in the court. Trump has criticized the ICC's investigations into Israel's actions as illegitimate and politically motivated.
As Hungary embarks on this withdrawal journey, it will become the first European Union member state to exit the ICC, a development that has drawn criticism from various quarters. Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s foreign minister, condemned Hungary’s decision as a "significant setback for international justice and the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression."
While Netanyahu's visit to Hungary marks a notable moment in international diplomacy, it also raises questions about the implications of Hungary's withdrawal for the future of international law and accountability. The ICC's mandate is to prosecute individuals for the gravest offenses, and Hungary's exit could embolden other nations to disregard international legal obligations.
As the situation unfolds, both Netanyahu and Orbán are likely to face scrutiny, not only for their respective actions but also for the broader impact of Hungary's decision on the international stage. The ICC, while facing challenges to its authority, remains a critical institution for addressing war crimes and human rights violations globally.
In the coming months, Hungary's withdrawal process will be closely monitored, as it could set a precedent for other nations considering similar actions. The implications for international justice and the rule of law will continue to be debated, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has precipitated.
