Hungary’s Prime Minister-Elect Vows Pragmatic Approach to Israel, Eyes Return to ICC

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Peter Magyar this evening (Monday) on his victory in Hungary’s elections. Netanyahu wrote: "I wish him success in leading Hungary forward, while strengthening the close ties between our countries". He also thanked the outgoing prime minister, Viktor Orban, "for his support of Israel and for the deep friendship".

In Jerusalem, officials now await to see how the new Hungarian leader will act. Magyar offered his first statement on relations with Israel this evening: "I cannot promise that Hungary will continue to block European Union decisions regarding Israel. As in any other case, each issue and each decision will be examined on its merits. That said, I do not want to set a position in advance on the matter. We will see what decisions the Union makes, and we will examine what serves the interests and justice".

Magyar declared that his country will seek to rejoin the International Criminal Court in The Hague. As a reminder, Orban withdrew from the court and stopped supporting it, following the judges' decision to issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.

The new Hungarian prime minister added that in Hungary "there will be zero tolerance for any form of antisemitism. Israel is an important economic partner of Hungary, and my aspiration is to manage pragmatic relations. However, I cannot promise that Hungary will continue to block the European Union’s criticism of Israel".