Why didn’t Hungary arrest Netanyahu? ICC wants answers
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking answers from Hungary after the country did not comply with an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his official visit to Budapest earlier this month.
As reported by Telex, according to The Times of Israel, the ICC submitted a formal request for clarification, citing Article 87 of the Rome Statute — a provision that allows the court to challenge countries that obstruct its operations by refusing to cooperate.
The court argues that Hungary violated its obligations by not taking action to detain the Israeli PM, despite receiving an official request on 3 April, the day of his arrival in the Hungarian capital.
The ICC is now calling on Hungarian authorities to submit a written explanation by 23 May.
Netanyahu’s visit triggered Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC
The situation is further complicated by Hungary’s announcement, also on 3 April, that it would begin the process of withdrawing from the ICC. The declaration came just before Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed Netanyahu at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest.
The invitation for the visit had been extended months earlier, in November 2024 — after the ICC issued a warrant accusing Netanyahu of deliberately starving civilians in Gaza, a charge related to the ongoing war in the region.
The court’s move shows the ever-growing international pressure on countries that maintain ties with Netanyahu while disregarding the ICC’s orders. Hungary’s stance, in particular, is drawing attention as it could set a precedent for other states considering withdrawal from the court.
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