We would arrest Netanyahu, says Hungary's incoming PM

Hungary's incoming prime minister has said he'll stop the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Peter Magyar, who is set to end Viktor Orban's 16-year reign after his historic election win earlier this month, announced his intention with a warning to Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu.

Retaining membership means those wanted by the body could be arrested if they enter Hungary.

Speaking at a news briefing in Budapest, Mr Magyar said he had "made this clear" to Mr Netanyahu, who has been wanted over alleged war crimes in Gaza since 2024.

Mr Orban had announced his decision to withdraw from the ICC last year, in part due to his disagreement with the warrant for his Israeli counterpart.

It was due to take effect on 2 June and make Hungary the only EU country not to recognise the court's jurisdiction, but Mr Magyar, who leads the centre-right Tisza party, said his team "have looked into it, and we will stop [it]".

"I believe that if the country is a member of the International Criminal Court, and a person who is wanted by the court enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody," he added, with reference to Mr Netanyahu.

Read more: Who is Peter Magyar?

The warrant for Mr Netanyahu was strongly criticised at the time by the then US president Joe Biden. His successor Donald Trump has continued to staunchly back the Israeli PM.

The US is not a member of the ICC and Mr Netanyahu has visited Washington and Mr Trump's Florida estate several times, including ahead of launching the war against Iran.

Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu have both been strong supporters of fellow right-winger Mr Orban, and had hoped to see him stay in power until his landslide election defeat.

(c) Sky News 2026: We would arrest Netanyahu, says Hungary's incoming PM