Introduction
In a stunning development, Hungary has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision revealed on Thursday, just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for a state visit. This bold move signals a dramatic shift in Hungary’s foreign policy and has ignited debates about the ICC’s role in international justice. With tensions rising over the court’s controversial arrest warrants—including one against Netanyahu—Hungary’s exit marks a pivotal moment in global geopolitics.
Background: What is the ICC and Why the Controversy?
The International Criminal Court, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, serves as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. However, the ICC has faced mounting criticism for alleged political bias. Recent arrest warrants targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—issued over actions in Ukraine and Gaza, respectively—have intensified this scrutiny. Critics, including Hungary, argue that the ICC has strayed from its original mission, becoming a “political tool” rather than an impartial judicial body.
Hungary’s Decision to Withdraw
Hungary’s government wasted no time in formalizing its exit. Gergely Gulyás, chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, declared, “The government will initiate the withdrawal procedure on Thursday, in accordance with the constitutional and international legal framework.” Gulyás pointed to the ICC’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu as a prime example of its politicization, arguing that the court has lost its legitimacy. He also noted that Hungary never fully enshrined the Rome Statute in domestic law, meaning ICC warrants hold no legal weight within its borders. This stance aligns with major powers like the United States, which has sanctioned the ICC and never joined its ranks.
Prime Minister Orbán echoed these sentiments, accusing the ICC of “interfering in an ongoing conflict for political purposes” and undermining international law. He confirmed Hungary’s intent to exit, stating, “This is no longer an impartial court, a rule-of-law court, but rather a political court.” Legislation to finalize the withdrawal has already been submitted to Hungary’s National Assembly.
Netanyahu’s Visit: A Defiant Stand
Netanyahu’s arrival in Budapest on Wednesday—despite the ICC warrant against him—underscored Hungary’s defiance of the court’s authority. Invited by Orbán, the Israeli leader received a warm welcome, complete with a red-carpet ceremony at Buda Castle. During a joint press conference, Netanyahu hailed Hungary’s decision as “bold and principled,” adding, “This is important not just for us, but for all democracies.” He expressed hope that Hungary’s exit would inspire other nations to reconsider their ICC membership.
The visit, Netanyahu’s first abroad since the warrant was issued in November, highlights the deepening ties between Hungary and Israel. The warrant accuses him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of using “starvation as a method of warfare” in Gaza and targeting civilians—charges Israel vehemently denies. Hungary’s refusal to enforce the warrant mirrors actions by other leaders, such as Poland’s Donald Tusk, who said Netanyahu would not be arrested if he visited Auschwitz.
Orbán’s Vision: Hungary as a Judeo-Christian Bastion
At the press conference, Orbán framed Hungary’s withdrawal within a broader narrative. He described Hungary as “the unbreachable bastion of Judeo-Christian culture in Europe,” emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism and its role as a safe haven for Europe’s third-largest Jewish community. Contrasting Hungary with Western Europe—where he claims illegal migration fuels rising antisemitism—Orbán declared, “No one waves Hamas flags here, and no one ever will.”
The Hungarian Jewish community is the third largest Jewish community in Europe, and today they are the most safe in Europe: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Orbán also tied Hungary’s pro-Israel stance to regional stability, calling Israel “the key to Middle Eastern stability.” He praised Netanyahu’s leadership and reaffirmed Hungary’s support for Israel’s sovereignty and right to self-defense, especially after the October 7, 2023, terror attack. The visit is expected to include discussions on relocating Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal backed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Implications: A Ripple Effect on Global Justice?
Hungary’s exit deals a significant blow to the ICC’s credibility, amplifying doubts about its future. As a member of the European Union—where most nations support the court—Hungary’s decision could strain intra-EU relations. It also highlights a growing divide between ICC supporters and skeptics, potentially emboldening other nations to follow suit. Netanyahu predicted Hungary would be “the first, but not the last” to abandon the court.
For Hungary, this move reinforces its alignment with Israel and its rejection of supranational bodies perceived as overreaching. However, it risks isolating Budapest from its EU peers, many of whom view the ICC as a cornerstone of international justice.
Conclusion
Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC, timed with Netanyahu’s high-profile visit, is more than a diplomatic maneuver—it’s a statement of principle and a challenge to the global order. As Orbán and Netanyahu stand united against what they call a “corrupt” court, the world watches to see how this bold stance reshapes international justice, Hungary’s role in Europe, and the fragile balance of Middle Eastern stability. One thing is clear: this is a story far from over.
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