BUDAPEST: “Hungary Rejects ICC Warrant for Israel’s Netanyahu”,The International Criminal
Court prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant against Israel’s prime minister is “unacceptable”
and could not be enforced in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff said on Thursday
(May 23).
Gergely Gulyas clarified during a news briefing that while Hungary had ratified the Rome Statute of
the International Criminal Court (ICC), it had not been incorporated into Hungarian law.
As of my last update in January 2022, Hamas was considered a terrorist organization by several
countries and international bodies, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel.
“This decision… is not a legal but a political decision, it is unacceptable and it discredits the
International Criminal Court,” Gulyas said, emphasizing Hungary’s stance on the matter and criticizing
the perceived politicization of the International Criminal Court’s actions.
“It is wrong to use a court as a political tool, it should not be forgotten what led to what
is happening in Gaza, and that is a ruthless, dishonest, and vile terrorist attack on Israel,” Gulyas
stated, underscoring Hungary’s perspective on the situation and condemning what they perceive
as terrorist actions against Israel.
“All 27 European Union countries are ICC members, and EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell noted
that they ‘are bound to execute the court’s decisions.’ However, Khan’s move has exposed
political differences between European powers over the conflict.” This statement highlights the
legal obligations of EU member states regarding ICC decisions while also acknowledging the
political divisions within the EU regarding the conflict.
Orban’s close ties with Netanyahu are evident, as he has been a long-time ally of the Israeli Prime Minister. Furthermore, Orban has publicly stated that Israel has the right to defend itself, aligning
himself with Israel’s position on matters of security and self-defense.
