Hungary’s future Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested upon arrival if an ICC arrest warrant is still in effect.
Netanyahu Invited to Hungary Despite ICC Warrant
Peter Magyar, Hungary’s incoming prime minister, has asserted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested should he enter Hungary while still subject to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. The ICC is pursuing Netanyahu in connection with the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Magyar Affirms Hungary’s ICC Membership
In his first speech following his victory in the Hungarian parliamentary elections, Magyar announced Hungary will remain a member of the ICC, reversing a withdrawal process initiated by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He emphasized that Hungary is obligated to enforce ICC warrants.
Israel Confirms Netanyahu’s Acceptance of Invitation
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on April 15th that Magyar had invited Netanyahu to Budapest to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the anti-Soviet uprising on October 23rd. Netanyahu accepted the invitation and extended a reciprocal invitation to Magyar for talks in Jerusalem.
Hungary’s Obligations Under ICC Statute
Magyar clarified that his government’s policy will be to maintain Hungary’s membership in the ICC. He stressed that if Hungary is a member of the ICC, it is legally required to arrest anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant who enters its territory.
ICC Issued Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for both Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
Previous Incident and Hungary’s Withdrawal Process
In April 2025, Netanyahu visited Hungary without being arrested, leading the ICC to conclude that Hungary had failed to fulfill its obligations. Subsequently, the Hungarian parliament passed legislation initiating the country’s withdrawal from the ICC, remaining a party until June of this year.