Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar sharply criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a joint media appearance in Budapest with his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szerto, on Thursday. Saar called the ICC’s recent actions against Israeli leaders unprecedented and politically biased.
“The politically corrupt International Criminal Court in The Hague has chosen, in an unprecedented manner, to act against a democratic state that is the most attacked and threatened in the world,” Saar stated. “This is an attack on Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Hungarian Support and Hostage Negotiations
Szerto expressed Hungary’s support for Israel and rejected the ICC’s arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The meeting also discussed the case of Omri Miran, an Israeli-Hungarian citizen held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Saar thanked Szerto for Hungary’s assistance in negotiations aimed at securing Miran’s release, which is expected in the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Miran’s captivity has been a critical point in ongoing negotiations. The first phase of the ceasefire has seen the release of three hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Regional Security Concerns
Saar updated Szerto on developments in Syria and Lebanon, particularly regarding a two-month ceasefire with Hezbollah, set to expire on Sunday. He also raised concerns about Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping and urged Hungary to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization, mirroring the stance of the United States.
ICC Arrest Warrants and Israel’s Response
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November, marking the first time warrants have been issued against leaders of a democratic nation. The warrants make both officials subject to arrest in ICC member states.
The court also issued a warrant for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, though he was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in July 2024. Hamas has not confirmed Deif’s death.
Israel has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction, citing its independent judiciary, and is not a member of the court. The ICC charter prohibits prosecution of nationals from countries with functioning judicial systems.
Context of Hostage Crisis
Hamas’s attack on October 7 resulted in 1,200 deaths and 252 hostages taken from Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Of the 94 hostages still in captivity, more than 30 have been declared dead. Critics of the phased ceasefire approach argue it leaves hostages not freed early vulnerable to indefinite captivity and compromises Israel’s military strategy.
This high-stakes situation underscores the complexities of Israel’s security challenges and its diplomatic efforts to secure support from allies like Hungary.