Hungary’s Magyar Signals Turnaround On Netanyahu After Earlier Invitation

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s incoming prime minister Péter Magyar has signaled a sharp turnaround toward Israel, warning that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest if he enters Hungarian territory after previously inviting him to visit Budapest, citing obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The shift marks a break from the approach of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who guaranteed Netanyahu immunity during a visit to Hungary despite an ICC warrant.

Magyar, whose conservative Tisza Party secured 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 to uphold its legal obligations.

“I made this clear to the Israeli prime minister as well … 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 presenting the first wave of seven Cabinet ministers.

He added that if Hungary remains a member, authorities would be required to act. “If a person who is wanted by the ICC enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody,” Magyar said.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegations Israel strongly denies.

WARRANT RAISES DIPLOMATIC STAKES

ICC member states are generally expected to detain individuals subject to such warrants, though enforcement has varied in practice.

Hungary previously declined to arrest Netanyahu during his April 2025 visit after Orbán announced the country’s withdrawal from the court—a process that takes one year—and pledged protection for the Israeli leader.

Magyar has indicated he will halt that withdrawal before the June deadline, effectively keeping Hungary within the ICC framework.

However, several European countries have taken differing positions. France has argued that arresting Netanyahu could conflict with other international obligations, citing Article 98 of the ICC statute regarding diplomatic immunity.

EUROPEAN DIVISIONS OVER ENFORCEMENT

Germany’s former chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has also expressed doubts about such an arrest, while Italy previously granted immunity to the Israeli leader. It remained unclear why Péter Magyar has so far declined to offer similar assurances to Benjamin Netanyahu.

The shift raises questions about Netanyahu’s planned visit to Hungary later this year, which he had already accepted following an earlier invitation. He was invited to attend events marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution against Soviet domination in October.

It also highlights the broader challenge facing Magyar as he seeks to recalibrate Hungary’s foreign policy while navigating legal obligations and political realities within Europe.

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