Fact Check: Hungary's Intention to Leave the ICC Announced During Netanyahu's Visit
What We Know
On April 3, 2025, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary would begin the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This announcement coincided with Netanyahu's arrival in Budapest, where he was welcomed with military honors, despite facing an ICC arrest warrant related to alleged crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict (AP News, NPR). Orbán's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, confirmed that the government would initiate the withdrawal procedure, which could take a year or more to complete (AP News, BBC).
Orbán criticized the ICC, stating that it is "no longer an impartial court" and has become a "political court," reflecting his government's growing hostility toward international institutions (NPR, New York Times). Netanyahu praised Hungary's decision, calling it a "bold and principled decision" that would be appreciated by many countries (BBC, Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that Hungary announced its intention to leave the ICC during Netanyahu's visit is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, NPR, and other major news outlets reported the announcement in conjunction with Netanyahu's visit, providing consistent details about the timing and context of the statement (AP News, NPR, New York Times).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The Associated Press, for example, is one of the largest and most trusted news agencies globally, while NPR and The New York Times are reputable outlets with a history of accurate reporting.
Critics of Orbán's government have pointed out that this move aligns with a broader trend of undermining international legal frameworks and institutions, which has been a hallmark of his administration (BBC, Human Rights Watch). This context adds weight to the significance of the announcement, suggesting that it is not merely a procedural change but part of a larger political strategy.
Conclusion
The claim that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Hungary's intention to leave the ICC on April 3, 2025, during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit is True. The announcement was widely reported by credible news sources, and the context surrounding the visit and the statements made by both leaders supports the assertion.
Sources
- Hungary welcomes Netanyahu and announces plans to quit ICC | AP News
- Hungary says it will leave ICC as Netanyahu visits : NPR
- Hungary Says It Will Exit ICC as Netanyahu Visits - The New York Times
- Hungary withdraws from International Criminal Court during Netanyahu visit - BBC
- Israeli leader Netanyahu applauds Hungary's ICC exit on ... - Reuters
- Orbán says Hungary is quitting the ICC to end its 'half-hearted ... - AP News
- Viktor Orban's government says Hungary will withdraw from ICC - The Washington Post
- Hungary: Orbán Government Withdraws from ICC - Human Rights Watch
