By Ayomide Otitoju
Hungary has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), aligning with Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance against the tribunal’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The announcement on Thursday coincided with Netanyahu’s visit to Budapest, marking his first trip to Europe since 2023. The Israeli leader, who faces ICC charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, was welcomed by Orban with military honors.
Orban, a vocal critic of the ICC’s decision, accused the court of politically interfering in an ongoing conflict. Hungary’s withdrawal process will take a year to complete, as the official instrument must be submitted to the UN Secretary-General’s office.
Netanyahu, expected to remain in Hungary until Sunday, has been actively seeking diplomatic support to counter the ICC’s charges. Analysts suggest his visit aims to maintain international legitimacy while avoiding potential arrest risks.
During his stay, Netanyahu is expected to discuss U.S. sanctions against the ICC and support Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries. Orban’s backing further strengthens Netanyahu’s diplomatic maneuvering amid domestic and international pressure.
The ICC, established in 2002, has no enforcement powers and relies on its 125 member states for cooperation. While Hungary ratified the Rome Statute in 2001, Budapest argues that its constitutional framework does not mandate compliance with ICC decisions.
