Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), its government announced on Wednesday, citing that the court has become a “political tool.” The move comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Budapest, where he received a warm welcome from Hungarian authorities.
Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, calling it “bold and principled,” while also criticizing the ICC for issuing arrest warrants against him. The ICC had accused Netanyahu of war crimes, including “starvation as a method of warfare” and “crimes against humanity.” However, Netanyahu dismissed the warrant as “absurd and antisemitic.”
Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC makes it the only European Union country not to be part of the court. The move has been met with varying reactions from other countries, with some expressing support for Hungary’s decision and others questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The ICC does not have its own law enforcement powers, relying on member states to make arrests and transfer suspects to The Hague. As a signatory of the Rome Statute, which established the court in 2002, Hungary is obliged to arrest Netanyahu. However, the country has chosen instead to withdraw from the court over what it perceives as a politicized and biased institution.
Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary marked the first time he had set foot on European soil since the ICC issued the arrest warrant against him and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024. The US, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that have not signed up to the Rome Statute and thus are not members of the ICC.
The move by Hungary is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate over the ICC’s role and jurisdiction. As one of Israel’s strongest European allies, Hungary’s decision is likely to have implications for the country’s relations with other nations and international organizations.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/03/world/hungary-withdraws-icc-intl/index.html