Hungary Announces ICC Withdrawal Amid Netanyahu’s Controversial Visit
- paolo bibat
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
Hungary has officially declared its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision announced on Thursday during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s state visit to Budapest.
The move marks a significant shift in Hungary’s stance on international justice and coincides with Netanyahu’s arrival, despite an ICC-issued arrest warrant accusing him of war crimes in Gaza.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration stated that the withdrawal process would begin immediately, adhering to constitutional and international legal frameworks. Gergely Gulyás, Orbán’s chief of staff, criticized the ICC for allegedly deviating from its original purpose and becoming a “political body.”
Hungary’s withdrawal makes it the first European Union member to exit the ICC, joining the ranks of countries like Burundi and the Philippines that have previously left the court.
Netanyahu received a warm welcome in Budapest, including a ceremonial reception at Buda Castle with full military honors.
The Israeli leader’s visit comes amid accusations by the ICC that he and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are responsible for crimes against humanity, including using starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians during military operations in Gaza.
Israel denies these allegations, calling them politically motivated and rooted in bias against its self-defense measures.
Hungary’s decision to withdraw has drawn sharp criticism from international leaders and human rights advocates. Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot described the move as a “significant setback for international justice,” warning that it undermines efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.
The ICC spokesperson also emphasized that Hungary remains bound by its obligations under the Rome Statute until its withdrawal is finalized, which typically takes one year after formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General.
Israel has praised Hungary’s decision, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar commending Orbán for his “clear moral stance” in defying the ICC. Netanyahu’s visit further underscores Hungary's close alliance with Israel, as Orbán has consistently supported Israel within EU forums and blocked statements critical of its policies.
Hungary signed the Rome Statute in 1999 and ratified it two years later but claims it never incorporated ICC mandates into domestic law. This legal argument has been used to justify its refusal to comply with the court’s arrest warrants.
As Hungary begins its withdrawal process, the decision is likely to deepen divisions within Europe over adherence to international justice frameworks.
