Hungary has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s only permanent tribunal for war crimes and genocide.
The move coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Budapest, despite an outstanding international arrest warrant issued against him over his handling of the war in the Gaza Strip.
Gergely Gulyás, chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, confirmed the decision in a brief statement on Thursday. "Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court," he declared, adding that the government would initiate the formal withdrawal process in accordance with constitutional and international legal frameworks.
The timing of Hungary’s announcement has raised eyebrows, given that Netanyahu arrived in the Hungarian capital on the same day.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, had previously issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, accusing him of crimes against humanity linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Orbán’s government extended an invitation to Netanyahu last November, following the court’s issuance of the warrant. The Hungarian prime minister, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, has been vocal in his criticism of the ICC’s actions.
He previously described the court’s move as "outrageously impudent" and "cynical," arguing that it was an unjust attempt to prosecute Israel’s leadership.
Hungary, as an ICC member, would have been expected to arrest Netanyahu upon his arrival. However, the court lacks enforcement mechanisms and relies on its signatory states to comply with its rulings.
By choosing to host Netanyahu while simultaneously announcing its exit from the ICC, Hungary has signalled a clear rejection of the tribunal’s authority.
The decision marks a significant shift in Hungary’s approach to international justice and is likely to draw criticism from human rights organisations and European partners.
Critics argue that withdrawing from the ICC sends a troubling message about Hungary’s commitment to upholding global accountability for war crimes.
The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. While it has faced criticism over the years, particularly regarding its focus on cases in Africa, its rulings are generally considered an important mechanism for international justice.
Hungary’s move could have wider geopolitical implications, further aligning Orbán’s administration with Israel while distancing it from European institutions that support the ICC.
Some analysts suggest that Hungary’s withdrawal may embolden other states critical of the court to consider a similar course of action.
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