Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on 20 March 2026 that Hungarian authorities should arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters Hungarian territory. HRW reported Netanyahu is expected to travel to Hungary on 21 March 2026 to speak at CPAC Hungary, shortly before Hungary’s national elections scheduled for 12 April.
HRW noted the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on 21 November 2024 for Netanyahu and then-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes in Gaza dating from at least 8 October 2023, and said ICC member countries are required to arrest them if they enter their territory.
The organization argued that despite Hungary’s announced intention to withdraw from the ICC, it remains bound by its obligations until the withdrawal takes effect on 2 June 2026, one year after Hungary formally notified the UN secretary-general.
HRW also recalled that Netanyahu visited Hungary in April 2025 and was not arrested, and that ICC judges later found Hungary had failed to comply with its cooperation obligations, referring the matter to the Assembly of States Parties.
HRW called on EU leadership, EU member states and other ICC members to press Hungary to reverse its withdrawal and comply with the ICC by executing warrants, and to condemn any continued failure to cooperate.
