Netanyahu visit to Hungary faces arrest risk under ICC pledge, PM-elect says

• Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar says his government will enforce all International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants.
• He announced plans for Hungary to rejoin the ICC, reversing the previous government’s withdrawal.
• The policy could directly affect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is subject to an ICC arrest warrant.

Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar has said his incoming government will honor all International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants, a move that could create legal complications for 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to Budapest later this year.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Magyar confirmed that Hungary would rejoin the ICC, reversing the previous government’s 2025 withdrawal from the Rome Statute. He said the country would be bound to enforce international legal obligations once re-admitted.

“If someone is a member of the ICC and a person who is wanted enters the territory of our country, he or she must be detained,” Magyar said, adding that “every state and head of government is aware of these laws.”

His comments come amid questions over how Hungary will handle Netanyahu’s expected visit in October for commemorations marking the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The 'Israeli' prime minister is currently subject to an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Magyar said he had extended a general invitation to world leaders for the anniversary events but made clear that Hungary would not bypass its legal responsibilities. “We will not ignore international obligations,” he said.

The timeline adds complexity to the situation. Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC, initiated under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is expected to be finalized in June 2026. However, Magyar’s government plans to rejoin the court in the months that follow, potentially before Netanyahu’s visit.

If Hungary is again a member of the ICC by October, it would be legally required to act on any outstanding warrants, raising the possibility of a diplomatic confrontation if Netanyahu proceeds with the trip.

The shift marks a significant departure from Orbán’s foreign policy, under which Hungary was one of 'Israel’s' strongest allies in Europe and frequently criticized the ICC as politically motivated.

Orbán’s government also repeatedly blocked EU measures against 'Israel' and maintained close ties with Netanyahu’s administration.

Magyar, who recently won a decisive election victory, has signaled a broader realignment toward EU norms and international legal institutions, while still expressing a desire to maintain constructive relations with 'Israel'.

'Israeli' officials have not yet issued a formal response to Magyar’s latest remarks. Earlier discussions between the two leaders were described by Netanyahu’s office as “warm,” with mutual invitations for official visits exchanged.

It remains unclear whether Netanyahu will proceed with his planned trip to Budapest given the potential legal risks.