The International Criminal Court takes action: Hungary's failure to comply with Netanyahu's arrest warrants referring the case to the Security Council

The International Criminal Court announced on Wednesday that it had opened proceedings against Hungary for its failure to comply with the court's request to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The International Criminal Court has officially invited Hungary to submit its observations and position regarding the failure to implement the arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu, within the framework of the procedures followed under Article 87(7) of the Rome Statute.

The Court's Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Judge Nicola Guillot (Presiding), Judge Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge Betty Hohler, found that Netanyahu was in Hungary between April 3 and 6, 2025, and that the Hungarian authorities had failed to execute the provisional arrest warrant despite receiving a formal request from the Court.

The Prosecutor's Office filed arrest warrants against Netanyahu and four other individuals on May 20, 2024, as part of investigations related to the situation in the State of Palestine. On November 21, 2024, the court issued three public arrest warrants, including one against Netanyahu.

Based on the information provided by the Registry, the Court considers that Hungary's failure to cooperate has prevented it from exercising its powers under the Statute, which requires referring the case to the Assembly of States Parties, or, if referred by the latter, to the United Nations Security Council.

The Court invited the Hungarian authorities to submit their response and formal observations by 23 May 2025.