Overview

• Hungary has officially declared its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing perceived political bias against Israel.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Hungary for the first time since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024, praised the decision as a 'brave and principled stance.'
• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the ICC as a 'political tool' and reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu and Israel's policies.
• The ICC reminded Hungary that it remains obligated to cooperate with ongoing investigations initiated before its withdrawal is finalized in one year.
• Hungary's defiance reflects broader challenges to international legal frameworks, as other European nations, including France and Italy, have also signaled non-compliance with the ICC warrant.