The European Commission has issued a stern warning to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after his announcement to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary while disregarding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Věra Jourová, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, emphasized that ignoring the warrant would violate Hungary’s international obligations and harm its global reputation.
The ICC recently accused Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity for actions during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. These include restricting humanitarian aid and targeting civilians. The court also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, the senior Hamas military leader, although Israel claims Deif has been killed—a claim Hamas has yet to confirm.
Orbán, a close ally of Netanyahu, condemned the ICC’s decision, calling it “outrageously impudent” and accusing the court of political interference. He declared that Netanyahu would face no consequences if he visited Hungary, breaking from most EU member states, which have indicated their willingness to comply with the ICC’s warrant.
Jourová criticized Orbán’s stance, reminding Hungary of its obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. She warned that Hungary’s non-compliance would be a clear violation of its commitments, tarnishing its reputation. Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, echoed these concerns.
The European Commission defended the ICC’s impartiality, stressing the EU’s strong support for international criminal justice. All EU member states, including Hungary, are obligated to adhere to ICC rulings under the Rome Statute, which requires signatory nations to execute arrest warrants.
Hungary is not alone in its hesitation. Austria and the Czech Republic have voiced skepticism over the warrant, while Germany has given mixed responses. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed adherence to international law but avoided commenting on hypothetical scenarios, while a government spokesperson expressed doubt about enforcing such arrests.
This is not Orbán’s first controversial outreach. In July, he faced backlash for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, also wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes involving the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.