BUDAPEST / JERUSALEM – In a landmark move that bucks European Union consensus, Hungary has officially withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The decision, finalized by a decisive parliamentary vote on Tuesday, comes just weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the country.
The move is being hailed as a major diplomatic victory for Israel, especially amid mounting international pressure and legal scrutiny over its military operations in Gaza.
An Overwhelming Majority
Hungary’s parliament passed the decision with a sweeping vote: 134 in favor, 37 against, and 7 abstentions. The withdrawal was publicly backed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and represents a bold challenge to the ICC’s authority—particularly its power to issue arrest warrants against sitting heads of state.
Backdrop: Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu
Hungary’s decision follows closely on the heels of a high-profile visit by Netanyahu to Budapest—held shortly after the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest on alleged war crimes in connection with the war in Gaza. During that visit, Prime Minister Orbán declared he would not honor the ICC warrant and vowed to provide Netanyahu with full protection while on Hungarian soil. The legislative process to formalize Hungary’s ICC exit began shortly after—and culminated today in its passage.
A Historic and Just Decision
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the move: “I praise the Hungarian Parliament for its just and historic decision this morning to approve the withdrawal from the ICC. The so-called “International Criminal Court” has lost all moral credibility in its zest to remove Israel’s basic right to defend itself. Thank you Hungary and Prime Minister Orban!.”
