On the eve of his scheduled visit to Hungary, Human Rights Watch has urged Hungarian authorities to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival. The visit is set for Saturday, just weeks before Hungary’s April 12 general elections. Human Rights Watch highlighted Hungary’s obligation as a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest individuals wanted by the court, pointing out that an arrest warrant had been issued for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu had previously visited Hungary in April 2025 without incident, and Hungary has announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC by June 2. The organization criticized ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and called on EU states to pressure Hungary to reverse its withdrawal from the ICC.
Why It Matters
The call for Netanyahu’s arrest is significant given the ongoing international discourse surrounding accountability for alleged war crimes. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant due to their roles in the conflict that has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza, where over 71,000 people have reportedly died since October 2024. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with continued hostilities resulting in additional casualties even after a ceasefire was declared in October 2025. Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC raises concerns about the potential for increased impunity for serious crimes and undermines international legal frameworks designed to address such violations.
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