Stephen J. By Bose, Worth News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary
Budapest (meaningful news) – Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar has signaled a sharp turn towards Israel, warning that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest if he enters Hungarian territory after first inviting him to visit Budapest, citing International Criminal Court (ICC) obligations.
The change marks a break from the approach of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who guaranteed Netanyahu immunity during his visit to Hungary despite the ICC warrant.
Magyar, whose conservative Tisza party won a landslide election victory, is under pressure to balance a diverse electorate that includes both strong supporters of Israel and more critical voices.
Hungary returns to ICC
In comments monitored by Worthy News on Tuesday, Magyar stressed that Hungary intends to remain a member of the International Criminal Court and maintain its legal obligations.
“I have also made it clear to the Israeli Prime Minister… it is the Tisza government’s firm intention to stop (the withdrawal) and ensure that Hungary remains a member of the ICC,” he said after introducing the first wave of seven cabinet ministers.
He said the authorities would have to take action if Hungary remained a member. “If someone who is wanted by the ICC enters our territory, that person must be detained,” Magyar said.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, charges Israel strongly denies.
Warrant raises diplomatic stakes
ICC member states are generally expected to detain individuals subject to such warrants, although enforcement varies in practice.
Hungary had previously refused to arrest Netanyahu during an April 2025 visit, when Orban announced the country’s withdrawal from the court – a process that takes a year – and promised security for the Israeli leader.
Magyar has indicated that he will block that withdrawal before the June deadline, which would effectively keep Hungary within the ICC framework.
However, many European countries have taken different approaches. France has cited Article 98 of the ICC statute regarding diplomatic immunity, arguing that arresting Netanyahu could violate other international obligations.
European Division on Enforcement
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also expressed skepticism over such an arrest, while Italy has previously granted immunity to an Israeli leader. It is unclear why Peter Magyar has so far refused to provide similar assurances to Benjamin Netanyahu.
The change raises questions over Netanyahu’s planned visit to Hungary later this year, which he had already accepted after an earlier invitation. He was invited to participate in events marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution against Soviet domination in October.
It also highlights the broader challenge facing Magyar as it seeks to realign Hungary’s foreign policy while navigating legal obligations and political realities within Europe.
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