Hungary says it is withdrawing from ICC as Israeli PM Netanyahu visits country
Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has raised eyebrows, especially given the timing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the country. Netanyahu, who is wanted by the ICC on allegations of war crimes in Gaza, was warmly welcomed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban upon his arrival.
The Hungarian government, a founding member of the ICC, is obligated to arrest and hand over anyone wanted by the court. However, Orban has publicly denounced the warrant for Netanyahu as “brazen, cynical, and completely unacceptable.” This strong stance has led Hungary to announce its withdrawal from the ICC, a move that has been in the works since February when President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the court’s prosecutor, Karim Khan.
Orban’s Chief of Staff, Gergely Gulyas, confirmed that Hungary would begin the withdrawal process on Thursday. The decision comes as no surprise, as Orban had previously expressed doubts about Hungary’s involvement in the ICC following Trump’s sanctions. The Hungarian parliament, controlled by Orban’s Fidesz Party, is expected to approve the bill to initiate the year-long withdrawal process.
Orban’s unwavering support for Netanyahu has been evident over the years, with Hungary often blocking EU statements critical of Israel. The ICC’s accusations against Netanyahu and his former defense chief, Yoav Gallant, stem from Israel’s military actions against Hamas in response to a deadly attack in southern Israel. The court alleges that Netanyahu and Gallant were involved in crimes such as murder, persecution, and starvation as weapons of war in Gaza.
Israel has vehemently rejected these accusations, pointing to Hamas’ role in the conflict and the high number of casualties on both sides. The Palestinian Ministry of Health, controlled by Hamas, claims that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during the conflict.
As Netanyahu’s visit continues in Hungary, the political implications of Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC remain to be seen. Orban’s alignment with Israel and his defiance of international legal norms may signal a shift in Hungary’s foreign policy priorities.
In conclusion, Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC underscores the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance between political alliances and legal obligations. The repercussions of this decision will likely reverberate in the international community and shape Hungary’s diplomatic standing in the years to come.
