Necva Tastan Sevinc
24 July 2025•Update: 24 July 2025
ISTANBUL
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday ruled that Hungary failed to comply with its international obligations under the Rome Statute by not executing the court’s request to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the country earlier this year.
"Hungary failed to comply with its international obligations under the Statute by not executing the Court’s request to provisionally arrest Mr Netanyahu while he was present on Hungarian territory between 3 and 6 April 2025," ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I said in a statement.
The judges said the matter is being referred to the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the court’s governing body, to take appropriate measures to ensure compliance.
Netanyahu’s visit, which came after the ICC issued a secret arrest warrant against him in November 2024 and publicized it the same day, was described by the court as fully anticipated.
“Mr Netanyahu visited Hungary upon the invitation of the Hungarian government. His visit was therefore not a surprise,” the chamber noted.
Despite repeated outreach from the ICC Registry starting March 21, 2025, including offers to meet and provide guidance, Hungary declined to consult with the court.
When Netanyahu arrived, the ICC issued a formal request for provisional arrest on April 3, but Hungarian authorities took no action, the statement said.
In its response, Hungary claimed that its domestic laws did not allow for such an arrest and that Netanyahu was protected by state immunity since Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute.
“The absence or inadequacy of implementing domestic legislation cannot justify non-compliance with States Parties’ obligations under the Statute,” the judges wrote.
The court also underscored that Hungary remains a full State Party until its announced withdrawal takes effect on June 2, 2026.
“Hungary made no effort to inform the Court about the claimed conflict of obligations when it received the Request,” the decision added.
