Overview
- Hungary’s prime minister-elect, Péter Magyar, said Monday the country must detain anyone wanted by the International Criminal Court, including Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Magyar said he will stop Hungary’s exit from the court by June 2, which is when the one-year withdrawal period would have taken effect.
- Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to a Budapest commemoration this fall, setting up a possible arrest test if he travels while the warrant is active.
- Under Viktor Orbán, Hungary announced its ICC withdrawal in 2025 and did not detain Netanyahu during his April 2025 visit after pledging him immunity.
- Some ICC members, including France, Germany, and Italy, have cited diplomatic immunity under Article 98 to avoid arresting sitting leaders, underscoring a split that Hungary’s stance now highlights.