Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Budapest on Thursday, receiving a warm welcome despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). His visit coincided with Hungary’s announcement, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, that the country would begin procedures to withdraw from the ICC—an institution it joined in 2001.
As part of the official reception at the Castle District, Netanyahu and Orbán viewed a military parade, highlighting the significance of the visit, which was Netanyahu’s second trip abroad since the ICC’s November warrant. This warrant claims that Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant may have employed starvation tactics in warfare, intentionally targeting civilians in their military operations against Hamas. Both Israeli officials deny these allegations.
While meeting with Orbán, Hungary’s Chief of Staff Gergely Gulyás confirmed that the government would initiate the withdrawal from the ICC in line with its legal framework. This decision comes in the wake of the ICC’s accusations that have prompted Orbán to assert that the court has politicised its role and is undermining international law.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised Hungary’s decision, asserting it reflects a strong moral stance in support of Israel’s right to self-defence. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s visit included meetings with other officials, aiming to strengthen Hungary-Israel ties in the face of increasing pressure from international entities regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
The ICC’s warrant has raised concerns in Hungary, particularly given that all 27 EU member states are obliged to enforce ICC warrants, which emphasises the significance of the ongoing discussion around international law and state accountability. The ICC has since expressed disapproval of Hungary’s decision, reminding the country of its obligations to cooperate with the court’s legal decisions, and reaffirming its position that such determination can’t be made unilaterally by member states.
Netanyahu’s trip underscores both Hungary’s defiance of the ICC and the complexities surrounding international law, as it highlights a growing divide between nations that seek to challenge international judicial authority and those urging compliance. As tensions rise, time will tell how this dynamic will evolve within the broader European and international context.