The ICC's arrest warrant has sparked a polarized response, highlighting divisions within the international community.Continue reading
Following a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar on Saturday, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that Hungary is also reassessing its future participation in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Together with my Israeli colleague Gideon Sa’ar, we reviewed the options and plans for the resolution of the Middle East conflict. I have assured my colleague of Hungary’s support for any proposal that is likely to bring long-term peace and tranquility to the Middle East,” the minister wrote on Facebook.
Mr. Szijjártó added:
We agreed that the activities of the ICC have become seriously politicized and that the ICC has discredited the international judicial system, therefore I informed him that Hungary is also reassessing its future participation in the organization.”
On November 21, 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts during the Gaza war.
US President Donald Trump announced sanctions imposed on ICC after meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit him since his inauguration on February 4, 2025. The executive order signed accuses the ICC of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel,” and of abusing its power by issuing “baseless arrest warrants” against Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister. The sanctions include freezing the assets of ICC officials and employees, as well as banning them from traveling to the United States.
Commenting on Donald Trump’s decision, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wrote on X:
It’s time for Hungary to review what we’re doing in an international organization that is under US sanctions! New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado.”
It’s time for Hungary to review what we’re doing in an international organization that is under US sanctions! New winds are blowing in international politics. We call it the Trump-tornado.https://t.co/zp1mfTbTw9
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) February 7, 2025
As the United States and Israel do not recognize the authority of the ICC, a majority of member states expressed support for the Court, with only Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Italy abstaining.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Kocsis Zoltán