Hungary made a significant announcement. It plans to leave the International Criminal Court. This decision came just as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Budapest. Netanyahu is currently wanted by the ICC.  The ICC has accused Netanyahu of serious crimes. These include war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court believes Netanyahu is responsible for actions like starvation as a method of warfare and murder.

Orban explained Hungary's decision to leave the ICC. He stated that the court has become too political. He believes it is no longer a fair and impartial institution. Netanyahu praised Hungary's move. He called it bold and principled. He also expects more countries to follow Hungary's lead. The two leaders did not take any questions from reporters during their joint news conference.

Netanyahu's visit to Hungary was notable. It was his first trip to European soil since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him. The court relies on member states to make arrests. Hungary, as a signatory of the Rome Statute, is obligated to arrest Netanyahu. However, Netanyahu received a warm welcome in Budapest. He walked down a red carpet with Orban at the Lion’s Court of Buda Castle. The two leaders then held talks.

Hungary is a strong ally of Israel. Many Hungarians support Israel. This support is evident in Budapest. Stickers and posters commemorating the victims of the October 7 terror attack against Israel are common. A Holocaust memorial on the Danube River has been adorned with yellow ribbons. These ribbons show support for the hostages held in Gaza.

Hungary's withdrawal process will begin soon. The country's State Secretary for International Communication and Relations, Zoltan Kovacs, announced this. If Hungary goes through with the withdrawal, it will be the only European Union country not part of the ICC. The EU has mixed reactions to the arrest warrants. Some countries, like Ireland and Spain, would arrest Netanyahu if he visited. Others, like France and Germany, are more cautious. They question the ICC's jurisdiction over Israel. Israel is not a member of the court.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for other leaders as well. These include Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi. The US has criticized the ICC for issuing the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC also issued warrants for three top leaders of Hamas. All three have been killed by Israel during the war. The ICC's actions have sparked debate and controversy. Hungary's decision to leave the court adds to this ongoing discussion.

Hungary's Bold Move: Leaving the ICC and Welcoming Netanyahu

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