Hungary's government announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court shortly after welcoming Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is under an ICC arrest warrant. This makes Hungary the first EU nation to withdraw from the ICC, a move criticized by many as it coincides with Netanyahu's controversial visit linked to war crime allegations.
Hungary Withdraws from International Criminal Court Amid Controversial Visit by Netanyahu
Hungary Withdraws from International Criminal Court Amid Controversial Visit by Netanyahu
Hungary's decision to exit the ICC follows a high-profile state visit from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces war crime allegations.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's administration declared its decision to leave the ICC, coinciding with Netanyahu's state visit to Hungary. This action follows an ICC ruling that indicted Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The ICC's decision, which stated there were "reasonable grounds" for Netanyahu's criminal responsibility, has been condemned by him as "antisemitic."
Hungary has been a founding member of the ICC, which currently comprises 125 member states. By withdrawing, Hungary joins a list of nations that do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, including the US, Russia, and China. Notably, Israel is also not a signatory of the Rome Statute, yet the ICC asserted its jurisdiction over territories occupied by Israel.
The withdrawal process involves Hungary providing written notification to the UN Secretary General, and the exit will become effective one year later. Although Hungary technically has an obligation to arrest Netanyahu under ICC warrants, enforcement of such mandates varies among member states. Reports indicate that while some European nations would detain Netanyahu, countries like Germany would not.
On Wednesday evening, Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky warmly welcomed Netanyahu upon his arrival in Budapest. Following formal military honors at the presidential palace, Netanyahu is set to discuss relevant matters with Orban.
Amid this diplomatic backdrop, Israel prepares to escalate its military operations in Gaza, pursuing a new strategic corridor against Hamas in light of the ongoing conflict that has escalated since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The hostilities have resulted in a significant number of casualties, with both sides experiencing considerable loss of life, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hungary has been a founding member of the ICC, which currently comprises 125 member states. By withdrawing, Hungary joins a list of nations that do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, including the US, Russia, and China. Notably, Israel is also not a signatory of the Rome Statute, yet the ICC asserted its jurisdiction over territories occupied by Israel.
The withdrawal process involves Hungary providing written notification to the UN Secretary General, and the exit will become effective one year later. Although Hungary technically has an obligation to arrest Netanyahu under ICC warrants, enforcement of such mandates varies among member states. Reports indicate that while some European nations would detain Netanyahu, countries like Germany would not.
On Wednesday evening, Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky warmly welcomed Netanyahu upon his arrival in Budapest. Following formal military honors at the presidential palace, Netanyahu is set to discuss relevant matters with Orban.
Amid this diplomatic backdrop, Israel prepares to escalate its military operations in Gaza, pursuing a new strategic corridor against Hamas in light of the ongoing conflict that has escalated since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The hostilities have resulted in a significant number of casualties, with both sides experiencing considerable loss of life, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
