In a stunning act of defiance against the International Criminal Court (ICC), Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced his intention to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an official visit to Hungary. This move comes on the heels of the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over alleged war crimes committed during the 2023-2024 Gaza war.
Orban Lambasts ICC Decision as “Outrageous”
During his weekly radio interview, Orban unleashed a scathing critique of the ICC’s decision, labeling it as “outrageously brazen” and “cynical”. He accused the court of intervening in an ongoing conflict under the guise of a legal decision, while in reality pursuing political objectives.
“There is no choice here, we have to defy this decision,” Orban declared emphatically. “Later today, I will invite the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Netanyahu, to visit Hungary, where I will guarantee him, if he comes, that the judgment of the International Criminal Court will have no effect in Hungary, and that we will not follow its terms.”
The Hungarian leader’s stance marks a significant departure from the position of most European Union member states, which have generally supported the ICC and its mandate to prosecute individuals for international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Hungary’s Complicated Relationship with the ICC
Hungary’s defiance of the ICC arrest warrant is particularly noteworthy given the country’s history with the court. Hungary signed the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in 1999 and ratified it two years later during Orban’s first term as Prime Minister. However, Budapest has not promulgated the associated convention for constitutional reasons, and therefore asserts that it is not obliged to comply with ICC decisions.
Legal experts are divided on the validity of Hungary’s position, with some arguing that the country is still bound by its international obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute. Others contend that without fully implementing the treaty into domestic law, Hungary may have more leeway to disregard ICC rulings.
International Backlash and Potential Consequences
Orban’s bold invitation to Netanyahu and rejection of the ICC arrest warrant has sent shockwaves through the international community. Many human rights organizations and legal experts have condemned Hungary’s stance, warning that it undermines the authority of the court and sets a dangerous precedent for other countries to follow suit.
“Hungary’s actions are a direct assault on the rule of law and the fight against impunity for grave international crimes,” said a spokesperson for a prominent human rights NGO who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. “If allowed to stand, this could severely weaken the ICC and embolden other leaders accused of war crimes to defy the court’s authority.”
The European Union, of which Hungary is a member, has yet to issue an official response to Orban’s announcement. However, insiders suggest that the bloc is deeply concerned about the implications of Hungary’s defiance and is considering potential measures to address the situation.
Some diplomats have raised the possibility of sanctions against Hungary or even the suspension of certain rights and privileges within the EU if the country follows through on its promise to host Netanyahu and disregard the ICC warrant. Such a move would be unprecedented and would likely escalate tensions between Budapest and Brussels, which have been strained in recent years over issues of democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
The Road Ahead for Netanyahu and the ICC
For Netanyahu, Hungary’s offer of a safe haven from the ICC arrest warrant presents both opportunities and risks. On one hand, it allows him to continue traveling internationally and engaging in diplomacy without fear of arrest in countries that have ratified the Rome Statute. This could be particularly valuable as he seeks to rally support for Israel’s position on the Palestinian issue and counter what he sees as bias against the Jewish state in international forums.
On the other hand, accepting Orban’s invitation could further isolate Israel diplomatically and reinforce the perception that the country is not committed to accountability for alleged war crimes. It could also strain Israel’s relations with other key allies, particularly in Europe and North America, who may view Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary as a provocation and an affront to the ICC.
For the ICC, Hungary’s defiance represents a major challenge to its authority and legitimacy. If a member state can openly disregard an arrest warrant and face no consequences, it could encourage other countries to follow suit and undermine the court’s ability to carry out its mandate. This is particularly concerning given that the ICC is currently investigating or prosecuting cases in several countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Nigeria, where cooperation from national authorities is essential.
In the coming weeks and months, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Will Netanyahu accept Orban’s invitation and travel to Hungary? Will the EU or other international actors take action to pressure Hungary to comply with the ICC warrant? And will the court itself find ways to assert its authority and ensure that those accused of grave crimes are held accountable, regardless of their position or the support they enjoy from certain states?
As the world grapples with these questions, one thing is clear: the outcome of this high-stakes confrontation between Hungary, Israel, and the ICC will have far-reaching implications for the future of international criminal justice and the global fight against impunity.
