Orbán ignores arrest warrant: Netanyahu makes controversial visit to Hungary

Orbán ignores arrest warrant: Netanyahu makes controversial visit to Hungary

Next Wednesday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will receive Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is Netanyahu's first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an international arrest warrant for him over the Gaza war. Orbán criticized the arrest warrant as provocative and announced that he would invite Netanyahu without him having to fear any consequences. Despite Hungary's obligations under international law to execute the arrest warrant, Orbán is still considering moving away from the ICC.

The arrest warrant is part of the ICC's legal framework, which began its work in 2002. The Rome Statute, which serves as its basis, was signed in 1998 and establishes jurisdiction for the most serious crimes such as genocide and war crimes. The ICC is independent of the United Nations and is based in The Hague. Its jurisdiction applies to all contracting states, including EU member states.

Background to the legal dispute

The possibility of Hungary withdrawing from the ICC has been discussed since last year. Orbán sees the international arrest warrant as an attack on the sovereignty of states and an abuse of international law. The ICC is tasked with taking responsibility for crimes that national courts do not prosecute; This happens especially in countries where the judiciary is unable or unwilling to hold perpetrators accountable.

The ICC can only take action if the nation in question is either a state party to the Rome Statute or has recognized jurisdiction. In the past, this has also been the case in situations in states that are not contracting states, such as Libya or Ukraine, and was partly based on United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Reactions and international perspectives

Orbán’s invitation to Netanyahu also highlights the geopolitical alliances that matter in the current political landscape. While the discussion about the ICC and its role in international law enforcement continues, it remains to be seen how the situation and other states' reactions to Netanyahu's visit will develop.

Given the legal and political tensions surrounding the arrest warrant, Orbán's decision to host Netanyahu seems to send a clear message. This attitude could have an impact not only on Hungarian politics, but also on the international perception of the ICC and its effectiveness in enforcing international law.

For further information on the basics of the ICC and the specific legal aspects, see the articles from crown, Mirror and that Foreign Office recommended.