Hungary’s Incoming PM Says He Would Enforce Netanyahu’s Arrest

Hungary’s incoming prime minister said Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be detained if he entered the country, as part of a plan to keep Hungary in the International Criminal Court.

Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Peter Magyar said Hungary would remain a member of the ICC and therefore be obligated to act on arrest warrants issued by the court, including one against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The statement marks a significant reversal from outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had moved to withdraw Hungary from the ICC and openly rejected the warrant against Netanyahu. By stopping that withdrawal, Magyar would shift Hungary from one of Netanyahu’s closest allies in Europe to a country where he could face detention.

“I believe that if the country is a member of the International Criminal Court, and a person who is wanted by the court enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody,” Magyar said. He added that “every state and head of government is aware of these laws.”

Magyar’s position creates a direct contradiction with a recent diplomatic gesture. Following his election victory earlier this month, Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli leader had been invited to Hungary for events marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution. Asked about the invitation, Magyar said he had invited leaders broadly but made clear Hungary would not change course on the ICC.

“I also made clear to the Israeli prime minister that we will not back down,” he said, adding separately, “I don’t need to say everything over the phone.”

Hungary formally notified its intention to withdraw from the ICC in June 2025, with the move set to take effect in June 2026. Magyar said his team had reviewed the process and determined the withdrawal could still be stopped before it is finalized.

The issue has already created direct tension between Hungary and the court. When Netanyahu visited Budapest in April 2025 at Orban’s invitation, Hungary did not act on the ICC warrant. The court later criticized that decision, stating that member countries are obligated to cooperate and carry out arrests. 

Israel has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction over the case and denies the allegations against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, arguing that its military actions during the war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza comply with international law. There was no immediate public response from Netanyahu’s office to Magyar’s remarks as of Tuesday.

Under the ICC framework, member states are required to arrest individuals subject to warrants if they enter their territory, but enforcement depends on national governments. Countries have been divided on the issue, with some saying they would carry out the arrest and others indicating they would not.