Budapest, 3 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arrived in Budapest on Thursday, Hungary said it plans to withdraw from the ICC.

Minister of the Chancellery Gergely Gulyás told the state news agency MTI that the country plans to withdraw from the court.

The announcement came shortly after Netanyahu arrived in Budapest for his first trip to Europe since the ICC arrest warrant was issued in November. The court accuses the Israeli leader of crimes against humanity and war crimes during the Gaza war.

Gulyás said that the Hungarian government intends to initiate the withdrawal process on Thursday. He added that the country is acting in accordance with its own constitution and international law.

ICC rules state Hungary must still comply with warrant

The founding treaty of the ICC stipulates that withdrawal becomes effective one year after the written notification is submitted. The court did not respond directly to the announcement.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had already disregarded the court's mandate when issuing invitation to the Israeli leader.

Orbán has made it clear that he does not feel bound by the ICC's requirements for its members, especially after the international arrest warrant was issued against Netanyahu.

ICC treaty requires Orbán to arrest Netanyahu

As one of the 125 member states of the court, Hungary is required to arrest Netanyahu. The founding treaty, known as the Rome Statute, requires member states to implement the court's orders. This includes executing arrest warrants if a wanted individual is on their territory.

Since a withdrawl from the court only takes effect one year after it is made, Hungary's announcement does not release it from the obligation to execute the arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

Additionally, obligations undertaken by a member state during its membership remain valid even after withdrawal. This means Hungary would still need to cooperate with the court on investigations initiated before the withdrawal.

However, the consequences for Hungary are likely to be limited. If a state does not fulfil its contractual obligations, the court can refer the matter to the Assembly of States Parties.

This body can then decide on further measures against the state, but significant repercussions are unlikely.

Yet the ICC's authority is at stake since ignoring its orders undermines the court's credibility.

Orbán and Netanyahu share a world view

Orbán unreservedly supports the Netanyahu government’s actions in the Gaza conflict. As a member of the European Union, Hungary has repeatedly blocked EU resolutions calling for ceasefires and greater consideration for the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza.

Due to violations of the rule of law, the EU has also withheld or frozen part of the European funding allocated to Hungary.

Netanyahu's arrival in Hungary was confirmed by Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, who received him at the airport.

This is Netanyahu’s first trip to Europe since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him last November over actions during the Gaza conflict. He is expected to return home on Sunday.

According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Orbán and Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok on Thursday.

Details of the visit were not disclosed in advance, contrary to usual practice. The press office of the Hungarian prime minister did not respond to inquiries about the visit.

Netanyahu and Orbán share similar views on maximizing government power with minimal hindrance from checks and balances.

They also regard an independent judiciary, an open society and free, critical media as obstacles to their political ambitions.

MIA file photo