• Hungarian lawmakers approved a bill to initiate withdrawal from the ICC.
• The decision is seen as politically motivated amid ongoing tensions involving Israel.
• Hungary now joins Burundi and the Philippines as the only countries to leave the ICC.
• Netanyahu's attendance in Hungary coincided with the announcement, despite an ICC arrest warrant.

On May 20, Hungary's parliament approved legislation that will commence a year-long withdrawal process from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which the government claims has become "political." Prime Minister Viktor Orban asserted that the ICC is "no longer an impartial court," reflecting a broader sentiment within the Hungarian government about the role of international organizations, according to Reuters, TRT, India Times, and Le Monde.

The decision follows a controversial visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is subject to an ICC arrest warrant concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungary has rejected calls for his arrest and labeled the warrant "brazen," further emphasizing its stance against the ICC's authority. "Hungary firmly rejects the use of international organisations — in particular criminal courts — as instruments of political influence," according to statements from Hungarian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen, as detailed in Reuters, TRT, and Le Monde.

The vote passed with a majority of 134 lawmakers in favor, 37 opposed, and 7 abstentions. Following the promulgation of the decision, Hungary will notify the United Nations, and the withdrawal will be effective one year from that notification. This makes Hungary the third country to withdraw from the ICC, joining Burundi and the Philippines, as noted by India Times and Le Monde.