“We Won’t Arrest Netanyahu”: Belgium Joins Hungary in Defying ICC Warrent

Belgium appears to have joined a growing list of countries distancing themselves from the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, speaking in an interview with public broadcaster VRT on Thursday, indicated his government would not act on the ICC's request.

“If I’m being honest, I don’t think we would either,” he said, referring to Hungary’s earlier declaration that it would not detain the Israeli premier should he visit.

De Wever’s remarks suggest a broader reluctance within Europe to enforce the warrant, with the Belgian leader asserting, “This is realpolitik. I don’t believe any European country would arrest Netanyahu — not even France.”

The shift marks a clear reversal from previous Belgian leadership. In late 2024, then-deputy prime minister Petra De Sutter called on Europe to back the ICC’s decision with tangible consequences, including potential sanctions and the suspension of agreements with Israel.

Former Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also pledged support for the ICC’s authority, emphasizing that the rule of law must apply universally.

Hungary’s decision to exit the ICC altogether — a move announced during Netanyahu’s four-day visit to Budapest — further underscored how polarized the international community has become over Israel and Hamas.

Netanyahu, avoiding visits to most European countries since the ICC issued its warrant, is expected to travel next to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with President Trump on Monday.

If the meeting proceeds as planned, Netanyahu will become the first foreign leader to meet Trump twice in person during his return to office — a sign of close coordination between the two governments as they navigate global pressure.