Hungary’s government has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), just as Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to Budapest.
In a statement on Thursday, Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, confirmed the government would initiate the withdrawal process, citing concerns over the ICC’s politicisation, particularly its stance on Israel. The move follows Orban’s earlier suggestion in February after the US imposed sanctions on the court.
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Hungary’s withdrawal bill is expected to pass in the country’s parliament, where Orban’s Fidesz party holds a majority. The process will take effect one year after a formal letter is submitted to the United Nations. If completed, Hungary would become the third country to leave the ICC, following Burundi and the Philippines.
During a joint press conference, Netanyahu, who is facing an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, thanked Orban for what he described as a “bold and principled” decision against a “corrupt organisation.” The ICC has yet to respond to Hungary’s announcement.
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