Hungary to Rejoin International Criminal Court Following Landslide Election of Péter Magyar
Hungary is preparing for a significant pivot in its foreign policy and legal obligations. Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar has confirmed that the country will relaunch its accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC), reversing a decision made by his predecessor, Viktor Orbán. This move follows a landslide victory in parliamentary elections that ended Orbán’s 16-year tenure.
The decision marks a departure from the previous administration’s alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and signals a broader shift in Hungary’s relationship with the European Union and international legal bodies.
The Context of Hungary’s Withdrawal
Hungary’s exit from the ICC was a direct response to the court’s actions regarding the conflict in Gaza. In November 2024, ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing reasonable grounds for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In April 2025, Viktor Orbán initiated Hungary’s withdrawal from the court, announcing the move while Netanyahu was on a state visit to Budapest. Orbán defended the decision by claiming the ICC had evolved into a “political court,” effectively defying Hungary’s legal obligation to arrest the Israeli premier during his visit. Netanyahu praised the move as “bold and principled,” arguing it was a necessary stand against a “corrupt organisation.”
Péter Magyar’s Latest Direction
During his first news conference as prime minister-elect on Monday, April 13, 2026, Péter Magyar stated that while the initial withdrawal process cannot be stopped, his government will move to restore Hungary’s membership. Magyar emphasized that returning to the ICC is “in the interest of the international community and Hungary.”
Beyond the ICC, Magyar has signaled a shift in how Budapest handles European Union diplomacy. While Orbán frequently used Hungary’s veto power to block EU motions against Israel, Magyar indicated that his government will examine decisions on a case-by-case basis to determine “what the truth is.”
The Legal Implications for Benjamin Netanyahu
The return to the ICC creates a complex diplomatic challenge for Hungary’s future relations with Israel. Technically, as an ICC member state, Hungary would be obligated to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit the country.
Although, the practical application of this rule remains uncertain. Several other ICC member states have already indicated they would not detain the Israeli premier, suggesting that political considerations may still outweigh legal mandates in some jurisdictions. While Magyar has pledged to rejoin the court, he has stopped short of expressing a specific opinion on the warrants currently issued against Netanyahu.
Key Takeaways: The Shift in Hungarian Policy
- ICC Status: Moving from withdrawal (initiated by Orbán in April 2025) back to accession under Péter Magyar.
- Political Driver: A landslide election victory ending 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s leadership.
- EU Relations: A move away from blanket vetoes on EU motions regarding Israel toward a case-by-case evaluation.
- Legal Conflict: Rejoining the ICC potentially mandates the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu, though global enforcement remains inconsistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Viktor Orbán leave the ICC?
Orbán withdrew Hungary from the ICC in April 2025 to protect Benjamin Netanyahu from arrest warrants issued by the court in November 2024, arguing that the court had become a political tool.
Will Péter Magyar arrest Benjamin Netanyahu?
While rejoining the ICC would technically require Hungary to arrest Netanyahu during a state visit, Magyar has not explicitly commented on the warrants, and other member states have shown a willingness to ignore such obligations.
When did the change in government occur?
Péter Magyar won the parliamentary elections on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and announced his intent to rejoin the ICC the following Monday.
As Hungary navigates this transition, the international community will be watching to observe if Budapest’s return to the ICC translates into stricter adherence to international law or if it maintains a “special relationship” with Israel that bypasses court mandates.