Hungary Declares Withdrawal from International Criminal Court

Budapest, Hungary Hungary has officially declared its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The announcement was made hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary for a scheduled visit. This move puts Hungary at odds with many of its European allies who support the ICC's mission to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Hungary is taking place against the backdrop of an international arrest warrant request filed against him with the ICC. The charges relate to alleged war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict. The timing of Hungary's withdrawal announcement has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international legal experts, who suggest it may be an attempt to shield Netanyahu from potential prosecution.

The Hungarian government has not yet released a detailed explanation for its decision to leave the ICC. However, some analysts speculate that it reflects a growing trend of countries questioning the court's jurisdiction and perceived bias. The withdrawal process typically takes one year to complete, during which time Hungary will remain a member of the ICC.