Herzog to Visit Hungary in First Trip Since Orban's Ouster

President Isaac Herzog is expected to fly out tomorrow (Tuesday) for a short diplomatic visit to Budapest, the first by a senior Israeli official in Hungary since the change of government there. The visit, which will last only about 12 hours, will take place close to the elections in Israel, and during it Herzog will meet with the heads of Hungary's new leadership. The cabinet held a telephone poll this morning (Monday) to approve the trip.

During his stay in the Hungarian capital, Herzog will be received at the presidential palace by Hungary's president, Andras Baka. In their meeting, the two are expected to discuss strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries. Herzog will later meet with the new prime minister, Peter Magyar, for a conversation focused on advancing bilateral relations.

A central part of the visit will be devoted to the international conference of “Voice of the People” (VoP), where the president will deliver an address. The conference is part of a global initiative led by Herzog that connects Jewish leaders and young people from Israel and the Diaspora, with the aim of encouraging a shared conversation about the challenges facing the Jewish people and strengthening ties between communities. Before returning to Israel, Herzog will also meet with the heads of the local Jewish community.

The visit comes in the wake of the political upheaval in Hungary, in which Magyar and his party, Tisza, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was considered a close ally of Israel in Europe.

After the elections, Herzog congratulated Magyar and expressed hope for the continuation of the historic relationship between the countries. Magyar, for his part, made clear that his country would maintain “pragmatic relations” with Israel. Among other things, Magyar announced his intention to return Hungary to the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC), after Orban ordered its withdrawal following the arrest warrant issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.