Hungary Pulls Out of ICC as Netanyahu Faces Arrest Warrant
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Sulaiman
- . April 4, 2025
- . Update: April 4, 2025 4:04 pm
Hungary has announced that it will leave the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary for a state visit.
Netanyahu is currently facing an arrest warrant from the ICC. He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has rejected the ICC’s claims. He said that the court has become too political and that its decision to go after Netanyahu is unfair.
Hungary’s move is important because it is the first European Union country to leave the ICC. The ICC was set up to punish people who commit serious crimes like genocide and war crimes. Hungary was one of its founding members.
Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, calling it “brave and fair.” Israeli officials also thanked Orban for supporting Israel. On the other hand, Germany criticized Hungary, saying that no one should be above the law.
Even though Hungary is leaving, the process will take one year. Until then, Hungary is still expected to work with the ICC. The court also said Hungary must still follow its current duties.
This visit also comes as violence continues in Gaza. Israel has expanded its military operations, and thousands of lives have been lost in the ongoing conflict.
Hungary’s decision could affect how other countries view the ICC in the future.
