Human Rights Watch urges Hungary to arrest of Netanyahu during upcoming visit

Human Rights Watch urges Hungary to arrest of Netanyahu during upcoming visit
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On the eve of a planned visit, Human Rights Watch on Friday has urged Hungarian authorities to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters the country.

The visit, set to start Saturday, comes weeks before Hungary’s April 12 general elections.

The call comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024 over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza since October 2023.

Both remain fugitives from the ICC.

Netanyahu previously visited Hungary in April 2025 without being arrested. Hungary has formally announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC treaty, effective this June 2, sparking criticism from international lawyers and civil society.

Human Rights Watch also decried ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, Gaza, and against Iran, stressing the “urgent need to respect the rule of law and support credible avenues for justice.”

The organization also called on EU and ICC member states to press Hungary to reverse its withdrawal and cooperate with the court.