Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official visit to Hungary, the Hungarian government announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision comes after Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, was welcomed to Budapest without being detained.
Hungary's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, stated that while the ICC was initially a respectable initiative, it has become politicized, citing the case against Netanyahu as the “saddest example.” While Hungary signed and ratified the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, it argues it never incorporated it into national law.
Israel's foreign minister praised Hungary's decision, while human rights organizations like Amnesty International criticized the move and Hungary's failure to arrest Netanyahu. The visit has sparked significant international debate and condemnation, particularly from those who highlight the allegations against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu's visit to Hungary included meetings with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Tamás Sulyok. The visit was criticized by some in Israel for being extended to include the Sabbath.
Hungary's decision to host Netanyahu despite the arrest warrant and its subsequent withdrawal from the ICC have deepened its alignment with Israel. The potential relocation of Hungary's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which could be discussed during the visit, would further symbolize this alignment, defying international consensus.