Hungary announces ICC withdrawal amid Netanyahu's visit

Hungary has officially announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move described as both 'bold and principled' by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Budapest. Hungarian officials, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Chief of Staff Gergely Gulyás, criticized the ICC as having become a political body, citing the arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu as a prime example. Hungary's exit procedure is set to begin, although it may take up to a year to finalize, as parliamentary approval is required. The Hungarian government has previously indicated it would not enforce the ICC's arrest warrant against Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised Hungary's decision, asserting that the ICC has lost its moral authority in the context of international law. This development highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the ICC's role in international governance and its impact on diplomatic relations.