...Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu align against the International Criminal Court amid war crimes allegations.

In a bold display of defiance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during his visit to Budapest on Thursday. This trip, which is Netanyahu’s second abroad since an ICC arrest warrant was issued against him, highlighted a growing divide between Hungary and international legal norms surrounding war crimes.

Netanyahu's visit, which comes amidst accusations of war crimes related to Israel's military operations in Gaza, was orchestrated by Hungary’s right-wing leader Viktor Orban, who has openly rejected the ICC warrant, labeling it as “brazen.” 

Orban made headlines during a joint news conference with Netanyahu, announcing Hungary’s complete withdrawal from the ICC—a court established over 20 years ago to confront impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. “This is no longer an impartial court but a political court,” Orban remarked, emphasizing his doubts about the ICC’s integrity, especially regarding its decisions related to Israel.

During their discussions, Netanyahu and Orban also engaged with former U.S. President Donald Trump, exploring what steps could be taken following Hungary's notable decision. The invitation to Budapest was extended shortly after the ICC issued the warrant amid Israel’s intensified military response to the October 2023 Hamas attack that resulted in the loss of 1,200 Israeli lives and the ongoing captivity of 59 more.

Netanyahu's office reiterated Israel's stance that the ICC’s accusations are politically charged and rooted in antisemitism, with the Israeli government asserting that the warrant undermines the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader acting in self-defense. “You stand with us at the EU; you stand with us at the UN, and you’ve taken a principled stance on the ICC,” Netanyahu told Orban, underscoring the importance of solidarity against what he described as a "corrupt organization."

The ICC presidency has expressed alarm over Hungary’s planned exit, reminding the country of its obligations under the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty. 

As ongoing tensions ignite divisions within the European Union, reactions to the withdrawal from the ICC have varied dramatically. While some member states reaffirm their commitment to the court, nations such as Italy and France have raised legal uncertainties regarding compliance with the warrant. In an effort to support Netanyahu’s diplomatic engagements, Germany’s next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, previously indicated a desire to facilitate his visits without the threat of arrest.

While Netanyahu and Orban celebrated their alliance, Hamas condemned Hungary’s decision, branding it as a problematic shift away from accountability. Critics point to the high cost of military reprisals following the Hamas-led assault, which reportedly resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities in Gaza.

As geopolitical tensions continue to ebb and flow, the ramifications of Hungary’s departure from the ICC will undoubtedly reverberate across international diplomacy and legal practice concerning accountability for war crimes.