A blow to Netanyahu: Hungary remains a member of the International Criminal Court

Brussels – Hungary remains a member of the International Criminal Court. The change of government and majority following the elections that saw Viktor Orbán leave the scene has brought about radical changes compared to the recent past: with 133 votes in favour, 37 against, and 5 abstentions, the Hungarian Parliament has approved a law that effectively blocks the country’s withdrawal from the judicial body. The vote overturns the previously adopted decision and brings to a close an exceptional procedure convened specifically to revoke the withdrawal process launched in April last year. Hungary’s withdrawal was due to take place in June this year, but this will not happen. 

The bill was backed by MPs from Tisza, the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, while MPs from Fidesz, the party of the now former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Zsolt Semjén’s Christian Democratic Party (KDNP) voted against the proposal. 

Prime Minister Magyar rejoices. Hungary’s participation in the International Criminal Court, he comments, is necessary “to maintain international peace and security and protect human rights.” In this regard, “it is imperative that the perpetrators of the most serious international crimes be held accountable in an international judicial forum,” so that it may be impartial and a source of justice. 

The vote by the new Hungarian Parliament sends a strong political signal. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in response to the Hamas attacks. Orbán had chosen to reject the international body, thereby guaranteeing impunity for the head of the Israeli government, who now loses an ally within the European Union.