Refusing to See the ICC

April 7th, 2025

Boyana Nikolova

The International Criminal Court, or ICC, is regarded as one of the most well-respected and recognized global judicial systems - and that title is merited. The ICC has launched successful cases against war criminals, presidents, oligarchs, and more, advocating for justice regardless of the scale. However, despite the reputation of the ICC, more countries have begun to turn a blind eye to its authority. More concerning, Hungary and the US may be the first of many countries to follow.

In 2024, the ICC issued a warrant for the arrest of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as his former Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant. The court declared the two responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the unrelenting pace of the war in Gaza. The court clarified that the allegations were reasonable and based on evidence: Netanyahu and Gallant have witholded humanitarian aid from high-risk and in-need areas, resulting in dire situations. Furthermore, they’ve limited access to the internet, electricity, fuel, and other essential supplies to gain an advantage in the war, all actions that have been extensively documented.

Israel’s response to the criminal accusations has been brash but firm and convincing enough for other countries to support them. Israel challenged the jurisdiction of the ICC, rejected their accusations, and called on other countries to follow their example of resistance. Their efforts to do so could easily be seen as successful. For example, this February, President Trump unleashed sanctions against numerous ICC officials following the announcement of Netanyahu’s arrest warrant. This past week, Hungary has unleashed measures of its own. This week, Hungarian president Victor Orban went as far as to withdraw his nation from the ICC, citing injustice in the case against Netanyahu.

To the fright of ICC officials, this could be a signal of a major ideological shift in Europe and beyond. The Belgian prime minister, Bard de Wever, boldly declared that no European country would really arrest Netanyahu. Additionally, de Wever acknowledged that Hungary had reason to not arrest him while he was on their land. More countries are now refusing to follow ICC commands or, as Belgium has, aren’t condemning the countries that are. With this precedent, international accountability could turn into a concept of the past. Until then, though, the ICC must hold its ground.