Hungary Withdraws From ICC As Netanyahu Visits, Prevents Arrest?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) shook hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Thursday (3/4/2025)

JAKARTA - Hungary decided to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Budapest. This move is believed to be an attempt to prevent Netanyahu from being arrested in Budapest because he is currently still a fugitive from the ICC.

In a press conference with Netanyahu, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed that his country no longer wants to be bound by the ICC, which he calls a "political tool."

"This trial has turned into a political instrument, and Hungary does not want to get involved in the game," Orban said.

Hungary's decision is increasingly attracting attention as Netanyahu is currently facing an arrest warrant from the ICC for alleged war crimes. This visit is the first time he has set foot in Europe since the warrant was issued in May 2024.

The ICC stated it had "reasonable reasons" to suspect Netanyahu was responsible for war crimes, including using hunger as a weapons of war. However, Netanyahu rejected the allegations and called them "absurd and antisemites."

Despite his status as a fugitive, Not wanting Netanyahu to be arrested in Budapest, the Hungarian government greeted him with great honor. The red carpet was held at the Buda Palace, and various elements of society showed support for Israel.

Hungary's decision to leave the ICC made it the only European Union country to take this step. Hungary's Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations, Zoltan Kovacs, confirmed that the official process of leaving the ICC will begin on Thursday, April 3.

This decision sparked mixed reactions in the European Union. Several countries such as Ireland and Spain said they would arrest Netanyahu if he visited their territory. Meanwhile, France and Germany were more cautious, questioning the ICC's jurisdiction of Israel.

Not wanting Netanyahu to be arrested in Budapest, Hungary now dares to take steps other European Union countries have never taken. This step could be the beginning of a broader geopolitical shift related to the sustainability of the ICC's role in adjudicating world leaders.