- Hungary starts process to withdraw from ICC as Netanyahu visits Budapest.
- Orban rejects ICC arrest warrant for Israeli leader, calling it unacceptable.
- Netherlands says Hungary must follow ICC rules until withdrawal is complete.
Hungary has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for a state visit.
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, a move that has sparked strong criticism. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban strongly criticized the court’s ruling, calling it politically motivated. He described the decision as “brazen, cynical, and completely unacceptable.”
Hungary signed the ICC’s founding document in 1999 and ratified it in 2001. But Orban’s government argues that the law was never officially added to Hungarian law, meaning Hungary has no obligation to follow ICC orders.
Gergely Gulyas, Orban’s chief of staff, confirmed that the withdrawal process had started. The Hungarian parliament, dominated by Orban’s party, is expected to approve the move.
The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, reminded Hungary that the full withdrawal process takes about a year. Until then, Hungary is still expected to follow ICC rules.
Orban has been a strong supporter of Netanyahu and has blocked European Union actions against Israel in the past. Israel denies the ICC’s allegations and claims the charges are politically motivated.
Comments