Hungary exits ICC amid Netanyahu visit and diplomatic tensions
Hungary has decided to leave the International Criminal Court, as announced at the beginning of the month by Gergely Gulyas, head of the prime minister's office of Viktor Orban. On Tuesday, the Hungarian parliament voted to withdraw.
What do you need to know?
- Hungary will begin the procedure to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, in accordance with constitutional and international legal frameworks. On Tuesday, the Hungarian parliament voted on this matter.
- The decision to leave the ICC coincided with the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest, despite the ICC having issued an arrest warrant for him.
- Hungary has repeatedly declared that Netanyahu can feel safe on their territory, which underscores their stance towards the ICC.
Why is Hungary leaving the ICC?
At the beginning of April, Gergely Gulyas, head of the Hungarian prime minister's office, announced that the government would begin the procedure to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. This decision was made in connection with the upcoming visit to Budapest by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is pursued by the ICC on war crime charges.
The Hungarian parliament voted in favour of the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court - announced on Tuesday by the Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. "We are making this decision because we do not want to be part of a politicized institution that has lost its impartiality and credibility," said Szijjarto.
What happened after Benjamin Netanyahu's visit?
Netanyahu's visit to Budapest took place despite the arrest warrant issued by the ICC. Hungary had previously assured that the Israeli Prime Minister would not be arrested on their territory.
The International Criminal Court is now demanding explanations from Budapest. The global organization in The Hague sent a letter to the Hungarian authorities. The ICC stated that Hungary violated its obligations by refusing to detain Netanyahu, despite an official request sent to Budapest on April 3rd, the day of the Prime Minister's arrival in the country. The Court gave Budapest time to respond until May 23rd.
What are the consequences for Netanyahu?
Netanyahu's visit to Budapest took place despite the arrest warrant issued by the ICC. Hungary assured that the Israeli Prime Minister would not be arrested on their territory. This is Netanyahu's second foreign trip since the ICC issued the warrant in November 2024. He previously visited the White House where he met with Donald Trump.
What’s next for Hungary's relations with the ICC?
The procedure for Hungary’s exit from the ICC, announced on April 3rd, may take up to a year. Now, with the majority of parliament supporting the resolution on the matter, the government will officially initiate the process of leaving the court.
