Amnesty International urges Hungary to arrest Netanyahu and surrender him to ICC
Amnesty International has called on Hungary to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hand him over to the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite Hungary's announcement of its intention to withdraw from the court.
In a statement, Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard emphasized that Hungary still holds international legal obligations, regardless of its decision to leave the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC.
Describing Netanyahu as an "ICC fugitive," Callamard stated:
“Netanyahu is accused by the ICC of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians. Hosting him sends a dangerous signal that Hungary condones Israel’s actions, including what amounts to the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.”
She strongly criticized Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary, warning that it must not become part of an "impunity tour" among ICC member states.
“No state party to the ICC should welcome or meet with Netanyahu,” Callamard added.
She further condemned Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC as an attempt to undermine international justice and obstruct accountability. However, she stressed that Hungary remains obligated to cooperate with the Court during the one-year period before the withdrawal becomes effective.
“This does not absolve Hungary of its responsibility to arrest and surrender Netanyahu,” she said.
Callamard also urged the European Union and ICC member states to take a firm stance against Hungary’s actions.
“Hungary’s defiance of the ICC risks weakening the unity and credibility of the EU and the international justice system,” she warned.
“The EU and all ICC states must immediately call on Hungary to detain Netanyahu and fulfill its duty to the Court. They must stand up for international justice in the face of growing threats,” she concluded.
Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács confirmed the country’s decision to withdraw from the ICC in a statement posted on social media. The announcement came during Netanyahu’s controversial visit to Budapest.
