New Hungarian PM Magyar Stresses Strong Ties to Israel
Speaking at his first press conference following his election victory, Magyar emphasized what he described as a “special relationship” between Hungary and Israel, highlighting economic cooperation, close people-to-people ties, and Hungary’s Jewish community.
Hungary’s prime minister-elect Péter Magyar signaled that ties with Israel will remain strong under his incoming government, even as he prepares to shift Budapest’s position on the International Criminal Court.
Speaking at his first press conference following his election victory, Magyar emphasized what he described as a “special relationship” between Hungary and Israel, highlighting economic cooperation, close people-to-people ties, and Hungary’s Jewish community.
“We have a very strong Jewish community living in Hungary, one of the largest, thankfully, in security, safety and peace and zero tolerance… to all forms of antisemitism,” he said, pledging that this policy would continue under his leadership.
Magyar also described Israel as an important economic partner and said his government would pursue “pragmatic relations” with Jerusalem.
His comments come after years in which outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán positioned Hungary as one of Israel’s strongest allies in Europe, frequently blocking European Union initiatives critical of Israeli policy.
While Magyar did not commit to maintaining that approach, he suggested Hungary would take a more measured stance, evaluating EU decisions on a case-by-case basis rather than automatically opposing them.
At the same time, Magyar said his government would move to return Hungary to membership in the International Criminal Court, reversing Orbán’s withdrawal following the court’s arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He did not express a position on the warrant itself.
Netanyahu congratulated Magyar on his election victory, while also praising Orbán’s record of support for Israel. He expressed hope that relations between the two countries would remain strong under the new government.
Magyar’s remarks point to a recalibration rather than a rupture in Hungary’s Israel policy, maintaining close bilateral ties while signaling a possible shift in how Budapest engages with European positions on the issue.