Netanyahu arrived in Hungary on Thursday for a four-day state visit following an invitation from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This is his first European visit since 2023.
A senior Hungarian official confirmed the decision to exit the ICC, making Hungary the first European Union member to take such a step.
Orban has previously dismissed the court's ruling against Netanyahu, stating that it would have 'no effect' in Hungary.
During a joint press briefing, Orban reiterated his criticism of the ICC, calling it a 'political institution' and questioning its impartiality.
Netanyahu, in response, welcomed Hungary's decision, describing it as a stand against what he called a 'corrupt organization.' He argued that the ICC had lost credibility and accused it of targeting Israel unfairly.
'It's crucial for democratic nations to push back against this injustice,' Netanyahu said during the conference.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also voiced support for Hungary's withdrawal, thanking Orban for what he described as a 'principled and strong stance.'
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel's military operations in Gaza.
The court stated that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli officials were responsible for the use of starvation as a method of warfare and the obstruction of humanitarian aid.
Israel has rejected the allegations, with Netanyahu condemning the ICC's actions as 'outrageous.' The Israeli government is currently appealing the arrest warrants, while maintaining its stance that the court lacks jurisdiction over Israel, as it is not a member of the ICC.
Hungary's exit from the ICC requires formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General, with the withdrawal taking effect in a year as stipulated under Article 127 of the Rome Statute.
Until then, Hungary remains bound by its obligations to cooperate with the court. ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdullah reaffirmed this, stating, 'Hungary continues to have a duty to comply with ICC procedures until the withdrawal process is complete.'
While Hungary's departure does not impact ongoing ICC investigations, it's likely to elicit mixed reactions across Europe.
Some European nations have signalled willingness to enforce the ICC's arrest warrant if Netanyahu were to visit, while others, including Germany, have stated they would not detain him.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/hungary-pulls-out-of-icc-as-wanted-netanyahu-visits
