UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 04th April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Hungary welcomes Netanyahu and announces its quitting top war crimes court

Hungary welcomes Netanyahu and announces its quitting top war crimes court

Why in News?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hungary despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Hungary planning to withdraw from the ICC.

Introduction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest, Hungary, on an official visit, receiving a red carpet welcome despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
His visit comes amid growing international scrutiny over Israel’s actions in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a known ally of Netanyahu, used this occasion to announce that Hungary would begin the process of withdrawing from the ICC.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Warm Reception Despite ICC Warrant
- The ICC had issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, but Hungary, which does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, welcomed him with full state honors.
- Hungary’s stance reflects its broader policy of opposing international legal interventions in sovereign state affairs.
Hungary’s Withdrawal from the ICC
- The Hungarian government announced its decision to start the process of withdrawing from the ICC, citing concerns over politicization and selective justice.
- This move aligns Hungary with countries like the United States and Israel, which are not ICC members.
Bilateral Talks and Diplomatic Engagements
- Netanyahu and Orbán discussed deepening economic, defense, and technological cooperation between Israel and Hungary.
- The Israeli leader also met Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok at the Presidential Palace.

Geopolitical and Diplomatic Implications

For Israel:

Netanyahu’s ability to travel despite the ICC warrant signals continued diplomatic backing from key allies.
Hungary’s support strengthens Israel’s diplomatic standing within the European Union, where many countries have been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

For Hungary:

The decision to withdraw from the ICC highlights Hungary’s growing divergence from mainstream EU policies, reinforcing its stance as a nationalist, sovereign-first government.
This move could strain Hungary’s relations with other EU members that support the ICC’s role in international justice.

For the International Community:

The ICC’s credibility is tested, as high-profile leaders like Netanyahu continue to travel freely despite arrest warrants.
The visit raises questions about the enforcement of international law, particularly in politically sensitive cases.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal established to prosecute individuals for serious offenses of international concern, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
The court’s mission is to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes and contribute to the prevention of impunity for such acts.

Key Facts About the ICC:

Establishment and Legal Framework:
- The ICC was established by the Rome Statute, which was adopted on July 17, 1998, and entered into force on July 1, 2002.
- The Rome Statute serves as the foundational legal document for the ICC’s operations and defines the crimes under its jurisdiction.
Location:
- The ICC is located in The Hague, Netherlands, and operates independently from the United Nations, although it may collaborate with the UN in certain cases.
Jurisdiction:
- The ICC has jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
- The court can prosecute crimes committed within the territory of a state party to the Rome Statute, or if the UN Security Council refers a situation to the ICC, or if a non-member state agrees to allow the court to prosecute crimes on its territory.
State Parties:
- The ICC operates with the support of countries that have ratified the Rome Statute. As of 2025, 123 countries are parties to the Rome Statute.
- Some countries, including the United States, China, and India, have not ratified the Rome Statute and are not members of the ICC.
Structure of the ICC:
- The ICC is composed of four main organs:
  - The Presidency: Overseeing the administration of the court.
  - The Judicial Divisions: Comprising 18 judges, they are responsible for the judicial functions of the ICC.
  - The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): This office investigates and prosecutes alleged crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction.
  - The Registry: Handles the court’s administration and support functions

Conclusion

Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary underscores the complex intersection of diplomacy, international law, and political alliances.
Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC reflects broader debates about the role of international institutions in global governance.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the visit highlights the shifting dynamics of global power and the challenges of enforcing international justice.