Netanyahu Praises Hungary's Withdrawal from the ICC

In a significant diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showered praise on Hungary for its recent decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during his visit to Budapest on April 3, 2025. This trip comes amidst an ongoing ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

Orban's Denouncement of the ICC

Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who invited Netanyahu, has publicly denounced the ICC arrest warrant as "brazen" and has assured that Hungary will not cooperate with the court. He described the ICC, established over two decades ago to combat war crimes and crimes against humanity, as no longer impartial, particularly in its dealings with Israel.

Formal Announcement of Withdrawal

At a joint news conference, which didn't allow questions from the press, Orban announced the formal withdrawal from the ICC, criticizing it for being politicized. "It has become evident that the ICC is not a court of law but rather a political court," he asserted.

Strategic Discussions with International Leaders

During discussions between Netanyahu, Orban, and U.S. President Donald Trump, they strategized on potential next steps regarding Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC. Netanyahu commended Hungary for taking a "bold and principled position" against what he described as a corrupt organization, emphasizing the importance of standing up against perceived injustices.

Hungary's Historical Commitment to the ICC

Despite being a founding member of the ICC, Hungary's commitment to the court has been questioned, particularly as its laws regarding the arrest warrant have not been implemented since its ratification in 2001. This has sparked a divide within the European Union, where countries have expressed varying degrees of commitment to ICC obligations.

Implications of Hungary's Decision

The decision by Hungary to exit the ICC has also been met with criticism from Hamas, which condemned the act as an endorsement of impunity for war crimes. As the global community watches, the implications of these political maneuvers will be significant, not only for Israeli-Hungarian relations but also for the broader geopolitical dynamics involving international law and accountability.

Future Debates on International Accountability

As the pressure mounts on the ICC and its member states, the coming months are expected to spark heated debates regarding the balance between national sovereignty, international accountability, and the pursuit of justice on the global stage. Will Hungary's controversial decision influence other nations to reconsider their commitment to the ICC? Only time will tell.