Budapest, Hungary – The government of Hungary has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an ICC arrest warrant, visited Hungary for a state visit.

Hungary, a founding member of the ICC with 125 member states, will be the first European Union nation to withdraw from the court. Despite this withdrawal, ongoing proceedings in the ICC will not be affected.

During a joint press conference, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the ICC, labeling it a “political court.” Orban’s invitation to Netanyahu, issued after the arrest warrant last November, reflects his stance of dismissing the ICC ruling as having no impact in Hungary.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, while expressing gratitude for Hungary’s decision, condemned the ICC’s lack of moral authority and violation of international law principles. Netanyahu, in a statement, hailed Hungary’s withdrawal as a stand against a “corrupt organization.”

Hungary’s alignment with Israel’s position on the ICC raises concerns about the future of international justice. The decision sets a potential precedent for other nations to question their commitments to the ICC based on political alliances or disagreement with specific rulings.

Despite Hungary’s withdrawal, the ICC will continue to function with broad international support. The court, facing challenges in the past, operates to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Israel, not a party to the ICC treaty, has been subject to the court’s jurisdiction over certain territories. The ICC ruling on Israel’s jurisdiction in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza has sparked further controversy.

As Hungary moves to notify the UN Secretary General of its withdrawal from the ICC treaty, the one-year process will lead to Hungary’s formal exit from the court’s jurisdiction. The decision comes amidst conflicting stances within Europe on how to address ICC warrants for individuals like Netanyahu.

Critics of Hungary’s decision, including Germany’s Foreign Minister, argue that withdrawing from the ICC undermines international criminal law. The move prompts broader questions about the commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law within the international community.

The ongoing tensions surrounding the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and others raise complex legal and political challenges. The ICC’s role as a global arbiter of justice continues to face scrutiny and debate among nations worldwide.