The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded Hungary’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a controversial visit to Budapest. This visit makes it only his second foreign trip since the Hague-based court issued an arrest warrant against him over Gaza war crimes allegations.
Standing alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Netanyahu described the ICC as a “corrupt organization” and thanked Hungary for its consistent support at the UN and EU.
The right-wing Orban announced Hungary’s complete ICC withdrawal timed with Netanyahu’s visit, calling the court “politically biased” against Israel in their joint press conference.
The ICC warrant targets Netanyahu for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza that Palestinian health authorities say has killed over 50,000 people, following Hamas’ October 7 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead.
Hungary’s refusal to arrest Netanyahu – calling the warrant “brazen” – exposes growing rifts in the EU, where members like France argue the Israeli leader has immunity while others like the Netherlands insist on ICC obligations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has already sought workarounds for potential Netanyahu visits, highlighting the warrant’s diplomatic complications.
Legal and Political Fallout From Hungary’s Unprecedented Move
As a founding ICC member since 2001, Hungary’s withdrawal process will take approximately one year, during which Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasizes Budapest must still comply with court orders.
The decision drew harsh criticism from Hamas, which faces its own ICC warrants for leaders like the late Mohammed Deif. Legal scholars warn Hungary’s action could trigger a domino effect among nations dissatisfied with ICC rulings, potentially crippling the court established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes and genocide.
Orban’s Pro-Israel Stance Reshapes EU Dynamics
The Budapest meeting solidifies Orban’s role as Israel’s key EU ally, having repeatedly blocked critical statements against Israel. This alignment comes despite the EU’s formal support for Palestinian statehood and growing international outcry over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Analysts note Netanyahu’s visit serves dual purposes: challenging the ICC’s legitimacy while strengthening ties with one of few Western leaders openly supporting Israel’s military strategy. With both leaders facing domestic and international criticism, their partnership signals a growing axis of nationalist governments rejecting multilateral institutions.
What’s Next for the ICC and International Justice?
The court now faces existential questions as major powers disregard its authority. While the ICC maintains its warrants were procedurally sound, the very public defiance by Israel and Hungary emboldens other nations to question its rulings.
With Netanyahu planning more diplomatic travel and Hungary’s withdrawal underway, this crisis may very well reshape how international justice is enforced against sitting leaders – potentially creating a two-tier system where geopolitical alliances override legal accountability.
