Reuters

Hungarian lawmakers approve bill to quit International Criminal Court

Alan Baker

Will the International Court of Justice Find Israel Guilty of Genocide?

On Tuesday, the Hungarian parliament approved the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the bill passing by 134 votes in favor, as opposed to 37 against, and seven abstentions.

Times of Israel

On Tuesday, the Hungarian parliament approved the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the bill passing by 134 votes in favor, as opposed to 37 against, and seven abstentions.

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.verity.news/story/2025/hungary-defies-icc-welcomes-netanyahu-amid-court-exit-plans">Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government initiated the withdrawal process on April 3</a>, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived on an official visit to Budapest, defying an ICC arrest warrant issued against the Israeli leader.

The Irish Times

Middle East Monitor

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government initiated the withdrawal process on April 3, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived on an official visit to Budapest, defying an ICC arrest warrant issued against the Israeli leader.

The bill, introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen, said that “Hungary firmly rejects the use of international organizations… as instruments of political influence,” following comments from Orban that the ICC was a “political court” in April.

Parlament.hu

EuroNews

The West Australian

The bill, introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen, said that “Hungary firmly rejects the use of international organizations… as instruments of political influence,” following comments from Orban that the ICC was a “political court” in April.

In a statement seen by MTI, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that the ICC was “unserious” and “politically motivated” in its prosecution of Netanyahu and stated he would “immediately” inform the United Nations Secretary General of Hungary’s withdrawal once the bill takes effect.

Hungarian Conservative

In a statement seen by MTI, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that the ICC was “unserious” and “politically motivated” in its prosecution of Netanyahu and stated he would “immediately” inform the United Nations Secretary General of Hungary’s withdrawal once the bill takes effect.

The withdrawal process will take one year after formal notification to the UN Secretary-General, making Hungary the first European country to leave the 125-member court and the sole non-signatory within the EU.

XINHUA

Jerusalem Post

The withdrawal process will take one year after formal notification to the UN Secretary-General, making Hungary the first European country to leave the 125-member court and the sole non-signatory within the EU.

Established in 2002, the ICC is mandated to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Major powers like China, Russia, the US, and Israel, however, are not members.

Le Monde

Established in 2002, the ICC is mandated to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Major powers like China, Russia, the US, and Israel, however, are not members.

Reuters #0

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government initiated the withdrawal process on April 3, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest, defying an ICC arrest warrant issued against the Israeli leader.</span

The Irish Times #

Middle East Monitor #

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government initiated the withdrawal process on April 3, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest, defying an ICC arrest warrant issued against the Israeli leader.

The withdrawal process will take one year to complete after formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General, making Hungary the first European country to leave the 125-member court and the sole non-signatory within the EU.</span

Reuters #

EuroNews #

The withdrawal process will take one year to complete after formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General, making Hungary the first European country to leave the 125-member court and the sole non-signatory within the EU.

Hungary, a founding member since 2001, justified its exit by claiming the ICC has become a political instrument rather than an impartial judicial body, particularly criticizing the court's recent decisions regarding Israeli leadership.</span

AA #

The West Australian #

Hungary, a founding member since 2001, justified its exit by claiming the ICC has become a political instrument rather than an impartial judicial body, particularly criticizing the court's recent decisions regarding Israeli leadership.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized the ICC's actions as nonsensical and politically biased, specifically regarding the court's handling of warrants for both Israeli leadership and Hamas figures.</span

Hungarian Conservative #

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized the ICC's actions as nonsensical and politically biased, specifically regarding the court's handling of warrants for both Israeli leadership and Hamas figures.

The International Criminal Court, established over two decades ago, is mandated to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, though major powers like China, Russia, the US, and Israel are not members.</span

The International Criminal Court, established over two decades ago, is mandated to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, though major powers like China, Russia, the US, and Israel are not members.

The withdrawal from the ICC represents a concerning retreat from international justice and accountability. By leaving the court to protect specific individuals from prosecution, Hungary is undermining the global legal framework designed to address the most serious crimes against humanity. This decision sets a dangerous precedent for other European nations and weakens the international community's ability to pursue justice.

The withdrawal from the ICC represents a concerning retreat from international justice and accountability. By leaving the court to protect specific individuals from prosecution, Hungary is undermining the global legal framework designed to address the most serious crimes against humanity. This decision sets a dangerous precedent for other European nations and weakens the international community's ability to pursue justice.

Hungarian lawmakers approve bill to quit ICC in support of Israel  Middle East Monitor

Hungary approves bill to withdraw from International Criminal Court

Hungary Votes to Exit ICC Amid Netanyahu Warrant Controversy

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Hungary

Politics

The ICC has lost its credibility by becoming a politically motivated institution that interferes with sovereign nations' affairs. The court's decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leadership while failing to maintain impartiality in international conflicts demonstrates its transformation from a judicial body into a political tool. This compromised status makes it impossible for responsible nations to continue their membership.

The ICC has lost its credibility by becoming a politically motivated institution that interferes with sovereign nations' affairs. The court's decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leadership while failing to maintain impartiality in international conflicts demonstrates its transformation from a judicial body into a political tool. This compromised status makes it impossible for responsible nations to continue their membership.

Hungary Votes to Exit ICC Amid Netanyahu Warrant Controversy

Hungary Votes to Exit ICC Amid Netanyahu Warrant Controversy

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Hungary Votes to Exit ICC Amid Netanyahu Warrant Controversy

Hungary Votes to Exit ICC Amid Netanyahu Warrant Controversy

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