With Hungary’s ICC U-turn, Israel loses a key European ally
Hungary’s parliament voted to remain in the International Criminal Court, reversing a planned withdrawal and marking a shift in Budapest’s approach to Israel and the EU.
Hungary's parliament voted Wednesday for the country to remain a member of the International Criminal Court, reversing a withdrawal process initiated under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban and signaling that Israel, under Hungary’s new leadership, has lost one of its closest allies in Europe.
The Hague-based court is mandated to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In recent years, it has faced mounting criticism from Israel and the United States, particularly over arrest warrants targeting Israeli leaders in connection with the war in Gaza.
The legislation adopted Wednesday stated that “in the interest of international peace and security, and for the protection of human rights, it is necessary to hold those who committed the gravest international crimes accountable before an international court.”
A total of 133 representatives from the ruling Tisza Party backed the bill, while 37 members of Fidesz-KDNP voted against it and five lawmakers from the far-right Mi Hazank abstained.
