Hungary's withdrawal from ICC coincides with Netanyahu's visit

In a significant political maneuver, Hungary has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest. This decision raises concerns regarding accountability for alleged war crimes.

Hungary's Chief of Staff Gergely Gulyas stated, “Hungary will withdraw from the ICC,” affirming that the government would initiate the withdrawal procedure in accordance with constitutional and international law. This announcement follows the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes related to the Gaza conflict from October 2023 to May 2024.

As a member of the ICC, Hungary was obligated to arrest individuals subject to ICC warrants, which would no longer apply upon withdrawal. This timing has prompted speculation about Hungary's political motivations, especially given Prime Minister Viktor Orban's known opposition to certain EU policies.

The backdrop to this development includes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly died amid military actions. Netanyahu's recent declaration that military efforts are achieving their objectives further complicates the situation, as he pushes for international support for controversial tactics in the region. rights organizations have condemned Hungary's decision, urging the government to respect international law by arresting Netanyahu during his visit. Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International's head of Global Research, Advocacy and Policy, emphasized that failing to act would only encourage further violations of rights in the occupied territories.

Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary marks his second foreign trip since the ICC issued the arrest warrants, reflecting a broader pattern of seeking refuge in nations that have distanced themselves from ICC obligations. His previous trip to the United States, which withdrew from the ICC in 2002, exemplifies this trend.

The process of withdrawing from the ICC will require parliamentary approval, dominated by Orban's Fidesz party, and is expected to take up to a year. This move, seen as politically motivated, raises questions about Hungary's commitment to international legal standards and its role within the European Union.

As Hungary navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the implications of its withdrawal from the ICC will resonate beyond its borders, potentially affecting international norms surrounding war crimes and accountability.