Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has issued a stark warning to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that Netanyahu would face immediate arrest if he sets foot in Hungary. This declaration comes as Magyar, who recently ended nationalist Viktor Orban's 16-year tenure in a landslide election victory earlier this month, moves to halt Hungary's planned withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
ICC Membership and Legal Obligations
Magyar emphasized that if Hungary remains a member of the ICC, it must comply with the court's warrants. Netanyahu has been wanted by the ICC since November 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and Hungarian authorities would be legally bound to detain him upon entry. "I believe that if the country is a member of the International Criminal Court, and a person who is wanted by the court enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody," Magyar stated during a news briefing, directly referencing Netanyahu.
Reversing Orban's Decision
The new prime minister is seeking to overturn a decision made by Orban's nationalist Fidesz party to withdraw from the ICC, a move originally intended as a protest against the warrant targeting Netanyahu, a key Israeli ally. This withdrawal was scheduled to take effect on 2 June, which would have made Hungary the only European Union country not recognizing the court's jurisdiction. However, Magyar has announced he will halt this process before the deadline, ensuring Hungary's continued ICC membership.
"I made this clear to the Israeli prime minister as well," Magyar told reporters. "It is the Tisza government's firm intention to stop this and ensure that Hungary remains a member of the ICC." This stance contrasts with claims from Israel that Magyar had invited Netanyahu to participate in a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising, highlighting the diplomatic tensions at play.
International Context and Divergent Approaches
Magyar's position places Hungary at odds with several other nations that have argued for maintaining ICC membership without enforcing arrest warrants. For instance, France has contended that arresting Netanyahu would violate existing agreements with Israel, while Germany's former chancellor Olaf Scholz stated in April 2025 that he could not envision his country carrying out such an arrest.
Similarly, Italy announced it would not enforce arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, for whom a warrant was also issued. A legal advisory from Italy's Foreign and Justice Ministries confirmed that immunity for visiting leaders is permissible under the Vienna Convention, illustrating the varied interpretations of international law across Europe.
Implications for Diplomacy and Justice
This development underscores the complex interplay between national sovereignty, international legal obligations, and diplomatic relations. Magyar's commitment to the ICC signals a shift in Hungary's foreign policy under his leadership, moving away from Orban's nationalist stance and aligning more closely with global judicial mechanisms. As the situation unfolds, it will likely influence discussions on accountability, war crimes, and the role of international courts in upholding justice.
