Brussels/London, 21 March (H.S.): Human Rights Watch the leading US-based international human rights NGO stated Saturday that Hungarian authorities must arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters the country ahead of his visit starting today just weeks before Aprils 12 general elections.
Citing Anadolu Agency HRW noted the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Nov 21 2024 against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza since Oct 8 2023. ICC member states including Hungary remain obligated to detain them upon entry.
HRW international justice researcher Alice Autin emphasized that despite Hungarys planned ICC exit effective June 2 Budapest still qualifies as a member state bound to arrest court-wanted individuals.
Netanyahus trip unfolds amid nearly three weeks of US-Israel-Iran hostilities with Iran striking Israel and Gulf states while Israeli forces intensified Lebanon operations early March ordering evacuations in southern Lebanon and southern Beirut suburbs.
During Netanyahus prior April 2025 Hungary visit no arrest occurred despite ICC obligations. Hungary formally notified UN withdrawal intentions effective June 2 2026 drawing criticism from international lawyers and civil society.
HRW condemned Israeli campaigns in Lebanon Gaza and Iran stressing urgent need to uphold rule of law and support credible justice mechanisms like ICC. The group urged EU and ICC states to pressure Hungary to reverse course and cooperate.
Autin remarked Hungarian PM Viktor Orban appears poised to roll out the red carpet for Netanyahu despite arrest duty adding EU silence risks signaling tacit approval of alleged atrocities.
HRW highlighted escalating hostilities and grave breaches of international human rights humanitarian law underscoring rule of law imperatives. In July 2025 ICC judges found Hungary non-compliant forwarding findings to Assembly of States Parties which noted but failed to act in December.
UN estimates Gaza reconstruction at 70 billion dollars while Gaza Health Ministry reports Israel killed 677 Palestinians wounded 1813 since Octobers 2025 ceasefire despite hostilities.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
