Netanyahu Begins Controversial Visit to Hungary Amid ICC Arrest Warrant

Budapest – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Hungary for a four-day official visit, marking his first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The visit has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and rekindled debate over Hungary’s commitment to international law.

Shortly after the ICC announced the warrants in November, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made it clear that his government would not enforce the court’s ruling. "I guarantee that the ICC's decision will have no effect in Hungary," Orbán told reporters at the time. However, Hungary remains a signatory to the ICC and, in principle, is obligated to arrest and surrender individuals facing court warrants. Reports have since surfaced that Orbán’s government is considering withdrawing from the ICC altogether.

The timing of Netanyahu’s visit is especially contentious, as he recently declared that Israel is seizing territory and intends to divide up Gaza, just two weeks after ending a fragile ceasefire with renewed bombing campaigns and ground operations across the besieged Palestinian enclave.

This trip marks Netanyahu’s second international visit since the ICC issued warrants against him, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and senior Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri. Israel has rejected the court’s charges, calling them politically motivated and influenced by antisemitism.

In February, Netanyahu visited the United States, a country that, like Israel, is not a member of the ICC. During the visit, then-President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the court over its investigations into Israel’s conduct in the war, which began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. Since then, Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has resulted in over 50,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry.

Europe Divided on ICC Arrest Warrants

Across the European Union, all 27 member states are signatories to the ICC. However, enforcement of the arrest warrants remains a deeply divisive issue. Countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Finland have publicly stated they would uphold the court’s decision. Meanwhile, Poland previously considered hosting Netanyahu at the Auschwitz liberation anniversary, and Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, recently indicated he would find a way to allow Netanyahu to visit Berlin without facing arrest.

When asked about Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary, a European Commission spokesperson reiterated that all ICC member states must cooperate fully with the court, including executing arrest warrants without delay.

Human Rights Groups Condemn Hungary’s Stance

Hungary’s refusal to enforce the ICC warrant has been met with widespread condemnation from human rights groups.

Erika Guevara Rosas of Amnesty International criticized Orbán’s decision, stating: "Prime Minister Netanyahu is an alleged war criminal, accused of using starvation as a method of warfare, intentionally attacking civilians, and committing crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and inhumane acts. Hungary’s invitation shows contempt for international law and confirms that alleged war criminals wanted by the ICC are welcome in a European Union member state."

Human Rights Watch echoed these concerns, highlighting Orbán’s long-standing erosion of democratic institutions. Liz Evenson, a senior official at the organization, stated: "Allowing Netanyahu’s visit in defiance of Hungary’s ICC obligations is yet another attack on the rule of law by Orbán’s government. All ICC member countries must demand that Hungary uphold its legal responsibilities and make it clear that they will do the same."

In response to mounting criticism, the ICC reiterated that its rulings are legally binding for all member states. In a statement to the Guardian, the court emphasized that it alone has the authority to determine the validity of its decisions and that member states cannot selectively choose which rulings to enforce.

As Netanyahu continues his controversial visit to Hungary, the situation underscores Europe’s fractured stance on the ICC’s authority and raises concerns over the future of international justice.