Hungarian lawmakers pass bill to quit International Criminal Court

Hungarian lawmakers have approved a bill to begin the country’s year-long withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Arab News reported.

The move follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary despite an ICC arrest warrant against him. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government criticized the ICC as a “political court” rather than an impartial judicial body.

Hungary, a founding ICC member, has refused to arrest Netanyahu and called the warrant “brazen.” The withdrawal bill passed with 134 votes in favor and 37 against. Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen stated Hungary rejects the use of international criminal courts as political tools. Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision as “bold and principled.” The ICC issued the arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Netanyahu denies. Hungary’s withdrawal will take effect one year after notifying the UN Secretary-General.