Hungary PM-elect Magyar says Netanyahu would be detained if ICC warrant stands

Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar on Monday reportedly said his government would be obliged to detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters Hungarian territory while an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) remains in force.

The ICC had issued a warrant against Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Member states of the court are, in principle, required to execute such warrants if the individual concerned enters their jurisdiction.

Hungary had allegedly declined to arrest Netanyahu during his visit to Budapest in April 2025 under then-prime minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of the Israeli leader. Ahead of the visit, Orbán had announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC and assured Netanyahu of immunity. Under ICC rules, the withdrawal process takes one year to come into effect after formal notification.

Magyar, however, has indicated that his incoming administration intends to halt the withdrawal process before it is completed. He said Hungary would seek to remain a member of the ICC and adhere to its obligations.

Magyar alleged that he made that clear to the Israeli prime minister as well as the government’s firm intention to ensure Hungary remains a member of the ICC. He added that if a country is a member of the ICC and a person wanted by it enters our territory, that person must be taken into custody.

Netanyahu is expected to visit Hungary later this year following an earlier invitation.

The issue has reportedly highlighted differing interpretations among ICC member states. Some countries have argued that obligations under international law, including diplomatic immunity, may limit enforcement of ICC warrants. France has cited Article 98 of the ICC statute in this context, while Germany’s former chancellor Olaf Scholz had earlier expressed doubt that Berlin would arrest Netanyahu. Italy has also extended immunity to the Israeli leader.