Hungary Withdraws from ICC Amidst Netanyahu Visit, Citing Politicization

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on April 3, 2025, that Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the court's increasing politicization. This decision coincided with a state visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC, the first by a European Union member state, has significant legal and diplomatic implications. The timing of the announcement, aligning with Netanyahu's visit, underscores Hungary's strategic diplomatic positioning and raises questions about the future of international justice mechanisms.

Established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, the ICC is a permanent international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands, mandated to prosecute individuals for the gravest offenses, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

Hungary became a signatory to the Rome Statute in 1999 and ratified it in 2001, thereby becoming a full member of the ICC.

Prime Minister Orbán criticized the ICC as a "politically biased" institution, referencing the arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders as evidence of its politicization. (Reuters)

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's military operations in Gaza. (Financial Times)

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized Hungary's withdrawal, stating that it undermines global human rights standards and the pursuit of justice for victims of serious crimes. (Financial Times)

Orbán stated that the ICC has become a "politically biased" institution, referencing the arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders as evidence of its politicization. (Reuters)

Netanyahu praised Hungary's decision, calling it a "bold and principled" stand. (Financial Times)

Hungary's withdrawal signifies a departure from its previous commitments to international justice mechanisms. While the withdrawal process will take at least a year, during this period, Hungary remains obligated to cooperate with the ICC's investigations and enforce its arrest warrants. (Financial Times)

As the first European Union member state to leave the ICC, Hungary's decision may strain its relationships within the EU. The European Union has expressed regret over Hungary's decision and reaffirmed the importance of remaining aligned with international justice efforts. (Financial Times)

Hungary's decision to withdraw from the ICC during Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit underscores the complex interplay between national sovereignty, international justice, and diplomatic relations. This move has significant legal, political, and societal implications, both within Hungary and on the global stage. As the withdrawal process unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the reactions of international bodies, EU member states, and human rights organizations to fully understand the broader impact of this decision.