Hungary announcing it’s pulling out of the International Criminal Court (ICC), just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touched down in Budapest for a four-day visit. Hungary has become the first European Union country to leave the ICC, doing so while hosting Netanyahu, who remains under an ICC arrest warrant for war crimes in Gaza. Prime Minister Viktor Orban rolled out the red carpet for his longtime ally, brushing aside international legal obligations.
Netanyahu arrived at Ferenc Liszt International Airport and was welcomed with full honors at Buda Castle. It marked his first European visit since the ICC issued a warrant in November 2024 accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel’s Gaza offensive. As an ICC member since 2001, Hungary was expected to arrest him under the Rome Statute. Instead, Orban’s government formally began the withdrawal process the same day, signaling defiance. “This is no longer a fair court—it’s a political tool,” Orban declared at a press conference alongside a visibly pleased Netanyahu, who remained silent on reporters' questions.
The timing wasn’t random. Orban had extended the invitation last November, shortly after the ICC warrant, and made clear it wouldn’t matter in Hungary. On Thursday, Gergely Gulyas, Orban’s chief of staff, announced via Facebook that Hungary was launching its ICC exit “in line with constitutional and international law.” Though the process takes a year, Hungary made clear it won’t cooperate with the court in the meantime. ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah reiterated Hungary’s legal obligations, but Orban appears unmoved—Netanyahu is safe on Hungarian soil.
Netanyahu praised Hungary’s stance as “bold and principled,” attacking the ICC as “corrupt” and undemocratic. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed thanks on social media for what he called Hungary’s “moral stance.” Netanyahu’s visit—his second abroad since the warrant, following a February trip to meet with Donald Trump—comes amid Israel’s continued Gaza offensive, which local health authorities say has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The ICC has accused Netanyahu of using starvation, murder, and persecution as weapons—allegations he strongly rejects as antisemitic and politically motivated.
Hungary’s ICC withdrawal fits Orban’s broader pattern. The nationalist leader, in power since 2010, has a long record of challenging EU norms, blocking sanctions on Russia, and aligning with Trump, who in February sanctioned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan over the Netanyahu case. Hungary has also routinely backed Israel diplomatically and opposed EU criticism of Israeli military actions. With this move, Hungary becomes the only EU nation to leave the ICC, undermining a court with 125 member states designed to prosecute genocide and war crimes. Hamas condemned the decision.
The European Union is divided on Netanyahu’s legal status. Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have said they would arrest him. Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has hinted at creating a legal workaround for a visit, while France has argued Netanyahu is immune as Israel isn’t an ICC member. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp insisted Hungary remains obligated until the withdrawal takes effect, while Germany’s Annalena Baerbock called it “a bad day for international law.” Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch joined the criticism, calling Hungary’s move a cynical blow to global accountability.
For Orban, the move plays well domestically. Hungarian public spaces now feature yellow ribbons tied to Holocaust memorials in solidarity with Israeli hostages. Orban’s close ties to Trump further explain the ICC snub—Trump has praised Hungary’s move and railed against international institutions. Netanyahu’s trip includes a visit to a Holocaust memorial and meetings about Trump’s proposed Gaza framework. Observers believe Netanyahu is testing the ICC’s reach, proving that if a leader has enough allies, the court is toothless.
The practical impact is growing. The ICC relies on member states to enforce warrants, and Hungary’s defiance may embolden others. Financial markets have largely shrugged off the news, with most attention still focused on Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements. But for those watching from Gaza, where displacement now tops 90 percent, the message is clear: justice remains out of reach.
Inside Budapest, Netanyahu is enjoying a royal welcome—sword ceremonies, a glowing castle backdrop, and political cover from a fellow populist. Hungary’s parliament, dominated by Orban’s Fidesz party, is expected to formally ratify the ICC exit soon. It’s a powerful message from two leaders who thrive on pushing back against international norms. As Hungary steps away from the global justice system and Netanyahu sidesteps The Hague, the world watches a new line being drawn—one where alliances may matter more than accountability.