Hungary to Withdraw from International Criminal Court Amid Netanyahu's Visit

In a surprising move, Hungary's government declares its intention to exit the International Criminal Court, coinciding with the controversial visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the court.

On Thursday, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that the country would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.), following the high-profile visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This decision came just hours after Netanyahu arrived in Budapest, despite facing an outstanding international arrest warrant related to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

Gergely Gulyas, Orban's chief of staff, took to Facebook to confirm the news, stating that Hungary will initiate the withdrawal process in alignment with both constitutional and international legal standards. By making this declaration, the Hungarian government indicated its disregard for the I.C.C. warrant and its obligations under the 1998 treaty that established the court.

Instead of detaining Netanyahu upon his arrival, Hungary embraced him with an elaborate welcome, including a military honor band at Buda Castle, which overlooks the Danube River. This move has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from various international observers, who see it as a challenge to the authority of the I.C.C.

Earlier in November 2024, the I.C.C. issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu along with his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in connection to their actions during military conflicts. The situation continues to develop, with potential implications for Hungary's international relations and the precedent it sets for other nations dealing with similar legal challenges.

As this story evolves, more updates will follow. Andrew Higgins, the East and Central Europe bureau chief for The Times, is actively reporting on the implications of this significant political maneuver.