Brussels (ANSA) – Hungary has declared its exit from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This announcement coincides with the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest, who is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity in November 2024. Hungary becomes the first member of the European Union to withdraw from the ICC and to host Netanyahu without adhering to the court’s ruling.
“It has turned into a political court,” stated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, marking the official severance with The Hague. Following a conversation in Budapest, Netanyahu’s office revealed that he and Orban discussed Hungary’s withdrawal and the “next steps” with Donald Trump.
“I was the Prime Minister who signed our accession to the ICC, and now I have signed our withdrawal document. This is due to the fact that it has become a politically motivated court,” Orban noted. Netanyahu responded with a smile, stating, “Yours is a bold and principled decision. It is vital to stand against this corrupt organization.” The ICC swiftly reacted, with a spokesperson warning that “Hungary is obliged to cooperate.”
Furthermore, the Assembly of the 125 States Parties to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s legislative body, condemned the withdrawal, stating that it “clouds the shared pursuit of justice and undermines our commitment to combating impunity.” Hungary’s departure comes at a precarious time for The Hague Court.
It faces criticism from Trump, who has threatened sanctions, while simultaneously dealing with the political fallout from the arrest warrant against Netanyahu—a decision that has already caused division across Europe. German officials have reiterated that the arrest of the Israeli Prime Minister in Germany would be “unimaginable.” Italy has also made similar statements in recent months (April 3).
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