The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally requested that Hungary provide an explanation for its decision not to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his official visit to Budapest earlier this month. The ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
Hungary, a signatory to the Rome Statute, is legally obligated to cooperate with the ICC’s decisions. However, during Netanyahu’s visit from April 3 to April 6, Hungary announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticizing the court as a “political” institution. Despite the announcement, the withdrawal process takes one year to become effective, and Hungary remains bound by its obligations during this period.
The ICC has set a deadline of May 23 for Hungary to submit a formal explanation for its actions. The court emphasized that member states cannot unilaterally decide on the validity of its legal decisions.
Hungary’s decision has drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups, which argue that it undermines the rule of law and sets a concerning precedent for international justice.
