Hungary has stated that it would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a step which comes during the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary. The step, which has been a subject of worry among international legal minds, highlights Hungary’s consistent doubt regarding global judicial institutions.
The announcement has come as the ICC has found itself in the spotlight over investigations into claims of war crimes, including some relating to Israel. Hungary, one of Israel’s strongest allies, has previously taken issue with the court’s verdicts and how it treats global conflicts.
Though Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government hasn’t directly associated the withdrawal with Netanyahu’s visit, analysts say the timing indicates a close alignment between the two countries on diplomatic and legal matters. The decision is also expected to take Hungary further away from EU policy on international law and human rights.
The ICC, based in The Hague, prosecutes people for offenses like genocide and war crimes. Hungary’s withdrawal may encourage other countries with similar issues to review their membership, potentially undermining the court’s international power.
