ICC demands explanation from Hungary about refusal to enforce Netanyahu arrest warrant

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague requests an explanation from the Hungarian government for its refusal to enforce the international arrest warrant issued by the tribunal against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his recent visit to Budapest.

According to the court’s statement, the request was made under Article 87(7) of the Rome Statute, which allows for proceedings to be initiated against states that fail to cooperate with the court, “thereby preventing the court from exercising its functions and powers under the Statute.”

In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and then-defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing the Israeli leaders of directing attacks against Gazan civilians and of using starvation as a method of warfare by hindering the supply of aid to Gaza during the current conflict with the Hamas terror group.

The ICC claims that Hungary violated its obligations by refusing to detain Netanyahu despite an official request sent by the court to Budapest on April 3, the day the premier landed in the country.

Shortly before meeting with Netanyahu in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary would be withdrawing from the ICC.

The ICC gives Hungary until May 23 to provide its submissions in response.