By Suleman Chitera
Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, has declared that his government will comply with arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, stating that any wanted individual entering Hungary would be detained.
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The statement is widely seen as a direct reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the ICC over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Magyar addressed questions surrounding his invitation to Netanyahu to visit Hungary in October for the commemoration of the 1956 uprising. The invitation has sparked controversy following the ICC’s 2024 arrest warrant against the Israeli leader.
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Magyar confirmed that he plans to reverse the decision made by the outgoing administration led by Viktor Orbán to withdraw Hungary from the ICC. The withdrawal had been scheduled to take effect on June 2, but Magyar indicated that his government would maintain full membership in the court.
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“I have informed him that Hungary will remain a member of the ICC,” Magyar said, referring to a recent phone call with Netanyahu. “If a wanted person enters our country while we are members of the court, he must be taken into custody.”
He added that world leaders are expected to understand the legal implications of ICC membership, signaling that Hungary would strictly adhere to its international obligations.
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The development places Netanyahu in a difficult position should he accept the invitation to travel to Budapest. As a member state of the ICC, Hungary would be legally required to arrest and transfer him to The Hague if he enters its territory.
The stance marks a significant policy shift from Orbán’s government, which had moved to withdraw from the ICC following closer political alignment with Netanyahu. Magyar’s position suggests a renewed commitment to international law and judicial cooperation.
The situation is likely to intensify diplomatic tensions, as Hungary balances its foreign relations with Israel against its obligations under international law.
