Ahead of Netanyahu's Visit, HRW Urges Hungary to Carry Out Arrest

The international human rights organisation, Human Rights Watch (HRW), has officially urged the Hungarian government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the country, scheduled to begin on Saturday (21/3). This call comes following Netanyahu’s status as a fugitive of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza since October 2023. International justice researcher at HRW, Alice Autin, stressed that although Hungary has expressed its intention to withdraw from the ICC, the country is still legally bound by international obligations until the withdrawal process is officially completed. “Hungary remains a member state and is still obliged to arrest and surrender individuals sought by the court,” Autin asserted in her official statement on Friday (20/3). This visit is taking place just a few weeks before Hungary’s general election on 12 April. Previously, Netanyahu visited Hungary in April 2025 without any arrest attempts by local authorities. HRW assesses that the European Union’s silence and Hungary’s reluctance to enforce international law will prolong impunity for serious crimes occurring in Palestine. “The Orban government is preparing to roll out the red carpet for Netanyahu, even though they are obliged to arrest him,” Autin added. According to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, Israel’s aggression since October 2024 has claimed over 71,000 lives and injured 172,000 others, the majority civilians, children, and women. Although a ceasefire was agreed upon in October 2025, daily attacks are reported to continue. The UN estimates the cost of reconstructing civilian infrastructure in Gaza at $70 billion after nearly 90% of the area has been destroyed due to the conflict. HRW also urges European Union member states to pressure Hungary to continue complying with the ICC’s mandate for the sake of justice for the victims.