ICC Opens Legal Proceedings Against Hungary Over Netanyahu Arrest Failure
Budapest (Quds News Network)- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched proceedings against Hungary. The move comes after Hungary failed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his recent visit to the country.
On April 3, 2025, ICC officials confirmed Netanyahu had entered Hungary. The Court had already issued an arrest warrant in November 2024, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. Despite receiving the official request, Hungary allowed Netanyahu to leave on April 6 without detaining him.
On Wednesday, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber formally invited Hungary to explain its actions. The Court asked Hungary to submit its response by May 23, 2025, under Article 87(7) of the Rome Statute. This article allows the Court to refer non-compliance to the Assembly of States Parties or the UN Security Council.
Hungary recently announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had invited Netanyahu just days after the arrest warrant was issued. Orbán dismissed the ICC ruling, claiming it had “no effect” in Hungary.
Hungary will become the first EU member state to leave the ICC. Hungary was a founding member of the Court, which was created in 2002. Withdrawal would take effect one year after notifying the UN Secretary General.
Netanyahu’s arrest warrant stems from the genocide in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. ICC judges believe there are “reasonable grounds” to hold him responsible for war crimes, including starvation, murder, and persecution.
Hungary’s refusal to comply has drawn sharp criticism. Amnesty International demanded Netanyahu’s arrest and warned that ignoring the ICC ruling encourages further crimes against Palestinians.
The Brussels-based Hind Rajab Foundation also announced a global campaign to pressure governments to act on the ICC’s warrants.
Hungary’s decision marks a major legal and political turning point in Europe’s relationship with the Court. It also raises serious questions about the enforcement of international justice.
Netanyahu’s November arrest warrant also named former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC accused both men of targeting civilians, using starvation as a weapon, and carrying out crimes against humanity.
Israel and the United States do not recognize the ICC. In 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the Court, calling the warrants against Israeli leaders “baseless.”
While Hungary refused to detain Netanyahu, his travel could still pose legal risks. ICC member states have warned they will act if he enters their territory or airspace.
The ICC, based in The Hague, remains the only permanent international court for war crimes and genocide.
