During a significant visit to Budapest, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Hungary for its “bold and principled” decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This trip is particularly noteworthy as it represents a rare venture abroad in light of an ICC arrest warrant issued against him.
The invitation from Hungary’s right-leaning Prime Minister Viktor Orban came shortly after the ICC launched the arrest warrant, attributing it to allegations of war crimes amid Israel’s intensified military actions in the Gaza Strip. In a display of political solidarity, Hungary has expressed its refusal to arrest Netanyahu, branding the warrant “brazen.”
In conjunction with Netanyahu’s visit, Orban announced Hungary’s complete withdrawal from the ICC, an institution established over 20 years ago to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. This decision reflects a defining moment in Hungary’s political stance within the European Union.
Netanyahu’s trip was particularly significant, occurring just one day after the issuance of the arrest warrant. The warrant was prompted by Israel’s military response to an attack by Hamas, an Islamist militant group in the region. Israel has staunchly countered the ICC’s allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated and indicative of a growing anti-Semitic sentiment. Netanyahu asserted, “The ICC has lost all legitimacy by issuing warrants against a democratically elected leader acting in self-defense.”
Reflecting on Hungary’s supportive stance, Netanyahu stated, “You stand with us at the EU, you stand with us at the UN, and you’ve just taken a bold and principled position on the ICC… it’s essential for all democracies to stand up to this corrupt organization.” However, the ICC has reiterated that its decision-making process is impartial and that states should not unilaterally question its legal judgments.
While this marks Netanyahu’s second international trip since the ICC’s announcement—following a visit to Washington in February to meet U.S. President Joe Biden—Hungary’s role in this diplomatic maneuver is significant. Although Hungary ratified the ICC’s founding treaty in 2001, recent political developments have led to a failure to enact relevant laws.
As Hungary seeks to exit the ICC, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands, housing the ICC, stated that despite the withdrawal process taking about a year, Hungary must continue to meet its obligations to the court during this transitional phase. The EU continues to exhibit divisions regarding the ICC warrant, with some member nations asserting their commitment to uphold ICC protocols, while others, like Italy, express legal uncertainties. Notably, French authorities believe Netanyahu may be shielded from ICC actions due to diplomatic immunity.
Amidst rising tensions, the ongoing Israeli military campaign has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, wreaking havoc across Gaza. The tragic events that unfolded following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, further compounded the situation, claiming 1,200 lives and resulting in the abduction of over 250 individuals.
Condemnation of Hungary’s ICC withdrawal was swift, with Hamas labeling the move “a slap in the face to the principle of international justice.” Notably, the ICC previously issued arrest warrants for Hamas leaders, including Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar, all of whom were reportedly killed during conflicts before the ICC’s requests could be addressed.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, observers will be keenly watching how these developments unfold, particularly in terms of Hungary’s long-term implications within the European Union and its relations with Israel.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
