A 24-Hour Update: Assembly of States Parties Publicly Welcomes Decision, Maintains Enforcement of Existing Netanyahu Warrant, and Clarifies “Inaccurate” Warrant Claims
Published: May 26, 2026
By: Zeeshan Khan
Reading time: 14 minutes
Category: UN / Human Rights / Legal / International Law
Note: May 26, 2026 – This is an update to the May 25, 2026 article: U.S. Appeals Sanctions Ruling as Board of Peace Report Sparks Criticism – Legal and Diplomatic Fronts Intensify
THE HAGUE / BUDAPEST / WASHINGTON – May 26, 2026 – One day after Hungary formally reversed its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the court’s governing body has publicly welcomed the move, confirming that Hungary’s “full cooperation” obligations – including the enforcement of arrest warrants – remain in effect. Meanwhile, the ICC has denied recent reports of new arrest warrants against five additional Israeli officials, calling such claims “inaccurate.”
This official response directly addresses the central question raised in the May 25 article: whether Hungary’s reversal would be welcomed by the ICC and what practical effect it would have on warrant enforcement. The Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the ICC’s management oversight body, has now formally acknowledged Hungary’s decision, noting that it preserves the court’s European footprint and maintains enforcement mechanisms for existing warrants.
The May 25 article correctly reported that Hungary’s reversal would obligate the country to arrest any individual subject to an ICC warrant who enters Hungarian territory. The ICC’s official welcome of the decision confirms this interpretation. However, the article’s reference to “ICC expectations for additional arrest warrants against five Israeli officials” requires important clarification: the ICC itself has publicly denied that any new warrants have been issued, stating that such reports are “inaccurate.”
This article covers the specific updates since May 25: the ICC’s official welcome of Hungary’s reversal, the confirmation that Hungary’s “full cooperation” obligations remain in effect, the ICC’s denial of new warrant reports, and the unchanged status of the existing warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Essentials: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How (Last 24 Hours)
Who: The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute (the ICC’s governing body); the International Criminal Court (ICC); the Hungarian government (led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar); ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; and the 124 member states of the ICC.
What: Two major developments since May 25, 2026:
- The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties officially welcomed Hungary’s reversal of its ICC withdrawal, confirming that Hungary’s “full cooperation” obligations remain in effect
- The ICC publicly denied reports of new arrest warrants against five additional Israeli officials, calling such claims “inaccurate”
When:
- May 22, 2026 – Hungary formally reverses ICC withdrawal (reported in May 25 article)
- May 25, 2026 – ICC’s Assembly of States Parties officially welcomes Hungary’s decision
- May 25, 2026 – ICC spokesperson denies reports of new warrants
Where: ICC headquarters (The Hague, Netherlands); Hungarian government (Budapest); United Nations (New York); and the State of Palestine (ICC member state since 2015).
Why (Immediate Cause): The ICC’s official response follows Hungary’s formal withdrawal of its withdrawal notification, which was announced on May 22. The court’s denial of new warrant reports responds to Israeli media assessments published on May 19 indicating that warrants were expected.
How (Mechanism): The Assembly of States Parties issues public statements on matters affecting the Rome Statute system. Hungary’s formal reversal means it remains bound by all ICC obligations, including the enforcement of arrest warrants under Article 89 of the Rome Statute.
Specific Updates in the Last 24 Hours (May 25–26, 2026)
1. ICC’s Assembly of States Parties Officially Welcomes Hungary’s Reversal (May 25)
On May 25, 2026, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute – the ICC’s management oversight body composed of representatives from member states – publicly welcomed Hungary’s decision to remain within the ICC system.
Official Statement: The ASP acknowledged Hungary’s formal withdrawal of its withdrawal notification, confirming that the country continues to be a member of the ICC with all associated rights and obligations.
“Full Cooperation” Obligations Confirmed: Officials noted that Hungary’s continued membership preserves “full cooperation” obligations, including the enforcement of arrest warrants under the Rome Statute. This means Hungary remains legally required to detain any individual subject to an ICC warrant who enters Hungarian territory.
Context of the Reversal: Hungary had announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC in April 2026 under the previous government of Viktor Orbán. Following the formation of a new center‑right government led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, Hungary formally reversed that decision on May 22, 2026.
2. Hungary’s Reversal Maintains Enforcement of Netanyahu Warrant
The existing ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – issued by the Pre‑Trial Chamber in November 2024 – remains active and enforceable in Hungary as a result of the reversal.
Warrant Background: The ICC issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant on November 21, 2024, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Enforcement Obligation: Under Article 89 of the Rome Statute, ICC member states are obligated to arrest and surrender any individual subject to a warrant who enters their territory. With Hungary remaining an ICC member, Netanyahu faces arrest risk if he travels to Hungary.
Diplomatic Implications: This may affect planned diplomatic travel. Netanyahu had been expected to attend commemorations of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution in October 2026. The enforcement obligation potentially complicates such travel.
3. ICC Denies Reports of New Arrest Warrants (May 25)
The May 25 article noted that “ICC expectations for additional arrest warrants against five Israeli officials remain active,” based on Israeli media assessments. The ICC has now publicly addressed these reports.
ICC Spokesperson Statement: On May 25, 2026, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet stated that the court “denies the issuance of new arrest warrants in the situation in the state of Palestine.” Maillet added that “reports indicating otherwise are inaccurate.”
Clarification on Pending Applications: The Pre‑Trial Chamber has not yet ruled on Prosecutor Karim Khan’s May 2024 applications for warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. No applications for warrants against additional officials (Israel Katz, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben‑Gvir, Eyal Zamir, or Yaniv Asor) have been confirmed by the court.
Difference Between Israeli Assessments and ICC Action: The Jerusalem Post’s May 19 report indicated that Israeli officials assessed that warrants were forthcoming. This is distinct from the ICC having issued or even confirmed applications for such warrants. As of May 26, 2026, the ICC has not confirmed any new warrant applications beyond the November 2024 warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.
4. Hungary’s Reversal Preserves ICC’s European Footprint
Had Hungary withdrawn, it would have been the first European Union country to leave the Rome Statute. Its reversal is therefore significant for the ICC’s European standing.
ICC Membership Context:
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total ICC member states | 124 (as of 2026) |
| Hungary membership date | 2001 |
| Withdrawal attempt | April 2026 (under Orbán government) |
| Reversal date | May 22, 2026 (under Magyar government) |
| EU countries that have left ICC | None |
| Countries that have announced withdrawal | Burundi, Philippines, Russia (none formally completed withdrawal) |
Significance: The reversal maintains the ICC’s European footprint and signals that the new Hungarian government intends to align with EU diplomatic consensus on international justice issues.
5. U.S. Sanctions and Board of Peace Report: Status Unchanged
The other developments described in the May 25 article remain unchanged as of May 26:
- U.S. sanctions fight: DOJ emergency motion remains pending before the DC Circuit; State Department continues to “actively fight” to reinstate sanctions against Francesca Albanese
- Board of Peace report: Criticism of one‑sided blame continues; no further response from the Board of Peace as of May 26
- White House tax revenue proposal: Under active consideration; no final decision announced
- Saudi reconstruction pledge: US lobbying continues; no agreement announced
How the Landscape Has Changed (May 25 vs. May 26, 2026)
| Issue | As of May 25 Article | As of May 26, 2026 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| ICC official response to Hungary reversal | Not yet reported | WELCOMED – Assembly of States Parties publicly welcomed decision |
| Hungary “full cooperation” obligations | Implied but not confirmed | CONFIRMED – Officials note preservation of warrant enforcement |
| Status of Netanyahu warrant enforcement | Active but not specified | ACTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE IN HUNGARY – Remains an ICC member state |
| Reports of new warrants for 5 officials | Reported as “expectations” based on Israeli assessments | ICC DENIES – Spokesperson calls reports “inaccurate” |
| ICC confirmation of new applications | Not specified | NONE CONFIRMED – No applications beyond Netanyahu/Gallant confirmed |
| U.S. sanctions status | DOJ motion pending; State Department “actively fighting” | UNCHANGED – Still pending |
| Board of Peace report criticism | Reported May 22‑23 | UNCHANGED – No further response |
Critical Clarification: Existing Warrants vs. Unconfirmed Reports
The distinction between confirmed ICC actions and unconfirmed reports is essential for an accurate understanding.
Confirmed ICC Actions (As of May 26, 2026)
| Action | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu | ACTIVE | November 2024 |
| Warrant for Yoav Gallant | ACTIVE | November 2024 |
| Hungary’s ICC membership | CONFIRMED – Reversal welcomed May 25, 2026 | May 22, 2026 |
| Enforcement obligation in Hungary | CONFIRMED – “Full cooperation” obligations preserved | May 25, 2026 |
Unconfirmed Reports (As of May 26, 2026)
| Report | ICC Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New warrants for 5 additional Israeli officials | DENIED – “Inaccurate” | ICC spokesperson, May 25 |
| Applications for warrants against Katz, Smotrich, Ben‑Gvir, Zamir, Asor | NOT CONFIRMED – No public record | N/A |
| Ruling on Khan’s May 2024 applications for Netanyahu/Gallant | PENDING – Pre‑Trial Chamber has not ruled | Public court record |
ICC Spokesperson Oriane Maillet (May 25, 2026): “The Court denies the issuance of new arrest warrants in the situation in the state of Palestine. Reports indicating otherwise are inaccurate.”
Hungary Reversal: Full Timeline
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Hungary joins ICC as member state | Rome Statute ratification |
| April 2026 | Orbán government announces intention to withdraw from ICC | Hungarian government announcement |
| May 22, 2026 | New Magyar government formally reverses withdrawal; withdraws withdrawal notification | Hungarian government statement |
| May 25, 2026 | ICC Assembly of States Parties officially welcomes reversal; confirms “full cooperation” obligations | ASP public statement |
| May 25, 2026 | ICC spokesperson denies reports of new arrest warrants | ICC spokesperson |
Arguments and Reactions (Updated for May 26)
ICC Position (May 25)
The Assembly of States Parties publicly welcomed Hungary’s decision to remain within the Rome Statute system, confirming that the country’s “full cooperation” obligations – including the enforcement of arrest warrants – remain in effect. The ICC spokesperson denied reports of new arrest warrants, calling them “inaccurate.”
Hungarian Government Position (Unchanged from May 22)
Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government issued a formal statement withdrawing the previous government’s withdrawal notification, confirming continued ICC membership. The reversal follows concerns about EU diplomatic isolation and the legal obligations of ICC membership.
Implications for Netanyahu Travel
With Hungary remaining in the ICC, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces arrest risk if he travels to Hungary. This may affect planned attendance at October 2026 commemorations of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The Hungarian government has not issued any statement regarding potential enforcement of the warrant.
Clarification on Warrant Reports
The ICC’s denial of new warrant reports does not affect the existing warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. Those remain active. The denial addresses only reports of additional warrants for other officials, which the ICC states are inaccurate.
Comparison: Before and After the May 26 Update
| Issue | As of May 25 Article | As of May 26, 2026 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary ICC status | Reversed withdrawal; will remain ICC member | CONFIRMED – ASP welcomed decision May 25 |
| Hungary enforcement obligations | Implied | CONFIRMED – “Full cooperation” obligations preserved |
| Netanyahu warrant enforcement | Active | ACTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE IN HUNGARY |
| Reports of new warrants for 5 officials | Reported as “expectations” | ICC DENIES – “Inaccurate” |
| U.S. sanctions status | “Actively fighting”; motion pending | UNCHANGED – Still pending |
| Board of Peace report criticism | Active | UNCHANGED – No further response |
| White House tax proposal | Under consideration | UNCHANGED – Still under consideration |
Why This Matters (Updated for May 26)
The ICC’s official welcome of Hungary’s reversal and its denial of new warrant reports each have significant implications.
For the ICC and International Law: Hungary’s reversal is a significant victory for the court and for international criminal justice. Had Hungary withdrawn, it would have been the first EU country to leave the Rome Statute. Its continued membership maintains the ICC’s European footprint and signals that the new Hungarian government intends to align with EU diplomatic consensus on international justice issues.
For the Enforcement of Existing Warrants: With Hungary remaining in the ICC, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces arrest risk if he travels to Hungary. This may affect diplomatic travel plans and international engagements, including potential attendance at October 2026 commemorations.
For Accuracy of Warrant Reporting: The ICC’s denial of new warrant reports underscores the importance of distinguishing between Israeli assessments and official ICC actions. As of May 26, 2026, no new warrants have been issued for the five additional officials named in Israeli media.
For the U.S. Sanctions Fight: The State Department’s position remains unchanged: it is “actively fighting” to reinstate sanctions against UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. The DOJ emergency motion remains pending before the DC Circuit.
For the Board of Peace: Criticism of the report’s one‑sided blame allocation continues. No further response from the Board of Peace or from High Representative Nickolay Mladenov has been reported as of May 26.
Current Status (As of May 26, 2026)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Has the ICC welcomed Hungary’s reversal? | YES – Assembly of States Parties publicly welcomed on May 25 |
| Does Hungary have “full cooperation” obligations? | YES – Confirmed by ASP officials |
| Is the Netanyahu warrant enforceable in Hungary? | YES – Hungary remains an ICC member state |
| Has the ICC issued new warrants for 5 additional Israeli officials? | NO – ICC denies; spokesperson calls reports “inaccurate” |
| Have applications for new warrants been confirmed? | NO – No public confirmation beyond Netanyahu/Gallant |
| Is the DOJ emergency motion still pending? | YES – Before DC Circuit; no ruling as of May 26 |
| Is the State Department still “actively fighting” sanctions? | YES – Unchanged from May 25 |
| Has the Board of Peace responded to criticism? | NO – No further response as of May 26 |
| Has the White House finalized the tax revenue proposal? | NO – Still under consideration |
| Has Saudi Arabia agreed to the reconstruction pledge? | NO – No agreement announced |
What Happens Next (Updated for May 26)
Immediate term (hours to days):
- The ICC’s official welcome of Hungary’s reversal may be followed by formal documentation of the decision
- Further reaction from Israeli officials regarding the enforceability of the Netanyahu warrant in Hungary may emerge
- The DC Circuit may rule on the DOJ’s emergency motion for a stay
Short term (weeks to months):
- Hungary’s formal reintegration into ICC cooperation mechanisms will proceed
- The Pre‑Trial Chamber may rule on Prosecutor Khan’s May 2024 applications for warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant
- The White House may finalize its decision on the tax revenue proposal
Long term (months to a year):
- Hungary’s reversal may influence other countries considering ICC withdrawal
- The cumulative effect of ICC proceedings, sanctions litigation, and reconstruction efforts will shape the legal and diplomatic landscape
Sources
- Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute (May 25, 2026) – Public statement welcoming Hungary’s reversal of withdrawal; confirmation of “full cooperation” obligations
- ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet (May 25, 2026) – Denial of new arrest warrant reports; statement that “reports indicating otherwise are inaccurate”
- Hungarian government statement (May 22, 2026) – Announcement that Hungary will remain in ICC, reversing withdrawal (previously reported May 25)
- Reuters (May 23, 2026) – “US ‘actively fighting’ to restore sanctions against UN expert Albanese” (context for unchanged status)
- The Jerusalem Post (May 19, 2026) – “ICC expected to issue arrest warrants for five Israeli officials” (original report that ICC has now denied)
- ICC Pre‑Trial Chamber (November 21, 2024) – Arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant
- Previous article: U.S. Appeals Sanctions Ruling as Board of Peace Report Sparks Criticism – Legal and Diplomatic Fronts Intensify (The 5 Ws, May 25, 2026) – Baseline information on Hungary reversal, sanctions fight, Board of Peace report, and warrant expectations
The 5 W's 
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