Hungary’s prime minister-elect Péter Magyar has stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested if he enters Hungarian territory while under an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, marking a sharp shift in Budapest’s stance on the issue.
The statement, made on Monday, directly challenges Hungary’s previous position under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had rejected ICC obligations and welcomed Netanyahu during a 2025 visit despite the warrant.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict.
Under ICC rules, member states are generally required to detain individuals subject to active warrants if they enter their territory.
Magyar argued that Hungary, as a signatory, must comply fully with its legal obligations.
“If a country is a member of the ICC and a person wanted by the ICC enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody,” he said.
The position represents a major departure from Hungary’s recent foreign policy under Viktor Orbán, who maintained close relations with Netanyahu.
In April 2025, Orbán:
- Hosted Netanyahu in Budapest despite the ICC warrant
- Announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC
- Guaranteed Netanyahu immunity during the visit
However, ICC withdrawal is not immediate—it takes about one year to fully take effect after notification.
Magyar has now pledged to halt the withdrawal process, effectively keeping Hungary inside the ICC framework.
He said his government would formally ensure Hungary “remains a member of the ICC” and complies with international obligations.
Netanyahu has reportedly been invited to Hungary for a future visit later in 2026. Magyar’s remarks raise immediate uncertainty over whether the trip could proceed without legal consequences.
Magyar also said he had already communicated Hungary’s new position to the Israeli leader.
The issue highlights growing divisions within Europe over enforcement of ICC warrants against high-profile leaders.
While ICC members are expected to comply, several countries have expressed reservations:
- France argued that arresting Netanyahu could conflict with diplomatic immunity obligations under international law, citing ICC Article 98.
- Germany’s former Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he could not imagine Germany arresting Netanyahu.
- Italy has also signaled support for granting immunity in similar contexts.
These positions reflect ongoing legal and political tension between international court obligations and bilateral diplomatic considerations.
Magyar’s stance also signals a broader political shift domestically, as he positions himself in contrast to Orbán’s foreign policy legacy.
By pledging to restore ICC compliance, he is aligning Hungary more closely with international judicial institutions while potentially risking diplomatic friction with Israel.
The ICC warrant against Netanyahu remains one of the most politically sensitive international legal actions in recent years, influencing diplomatic relations across Europe and beyond.
Hungary’s position is now seen as a key test case for whether ICC enforcement mechanisms will be consistently applied to high-level political leaders.
