Hungary will initiate the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Minister Gergely Gulyás announced on Thursday, citing the body’s growing politicization.

The Hungarian government considers the recent indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a clear illustration of the ICC’s shift from its original mission. Gulyás noted that while the Court began as a commendable initiative, recent developments have undermined its credibility.

“The ICC has become a political institution,” Gulyás stated, adding that Hungary no longer wishes to participate in its operations.

He emphasized that Hungary was already in a unique legal position. Unlike other ICC member states, the Hungarian Parliament never ratified the Rome Statute, which means the ICC’s legal framework was never incorporated into domestic law.

“In Hungary, no one can be arrested or subjected to any proceedings under the ICC’s authority,” he said.

Instead of ratifying the statute, Hungary has chosen to formally exit the organization.

Gulyás pointed out that the ICC’s operations have raised international concerns, noting that major countries like the United States, China, and Türkiye have never been members. Additionally, U.S. lawmakers have expressed bipartisan support for sanctioning ICC judges.

Some European leaders, including Poland’s prime minister and Germany’s likely next chancellor, have also indicated their reluctance to enforce ICC decisions against Israeli leaders.

“These examples show that the ICC has strayed from its founding goals and become a political court. Therefore, Hungary will no longer be part of it,” Gulyás concluded.