Netanyahu, Hungary’s PM-elect Peter Magyar hold first call, pledge continued close ties

Lead

Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first phone conversation on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, with both sides signaling an intention to preserve the close ties between Jerusalem and Budapest following Hungary's recent election. The call, described by Netanyahu's office as "warm," came days after Magyar's center-right Tisza party secured a parliamentary supermajority, prompting outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban to concede defeat.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the conversation focused on maintaining the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Magyar, who had earlier said that Israel and Hungary share a "special relationship," extended an invitation to Netanyahu to attend a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising. Netanyahu reportedly accepted the invitation and, in turn, invited Magyar to a government-to-government meeting in Jerusalem.

Magyar's victory has raised questions about the future of Hungary's Middle East policy, particularly after he indicated that Hungary may no longer automatically block European Union decisions regarding Israel. However, the tone of the first call between the two leaders suggests an effort to reassure on both sides that the bilateral relationship remains on stable footing.

Coverage Comparison

The phone call and the leaders' exchange of invitations were reported by the Jerusalem Post in two separate articles published on April 13 and April 15. Both pieces draw on statements from the Prime Minister's Office and from Magyar's post-election press conference, as well as remarks attributed to Netanyahu's son, Yair, who reportedly praised Orban's support of Israel. The coverage emphasizes continuity, with headlines focusing on the "special relationship" and the "close relationship" between the two nations.

While the facts reported across the two articles are consistent, there are slight differences in emphasis. The earlier piece from the Diaspora desk, published on the day of Magyar's press conference, highlights his comments on the "pragmatic relationship" he aims to foster and his caution that Hungary's EU stance may shift. The later piece, from the Israel News desk, centers on the phone call itself and the mutual invitations, presenting the exchange as a positive step forward.

Notably, both articles attribute to Magyar the same direct quotes about the "special relationship" and the strength of Hungary's Jewish community, indicating that these statements were central to his post-election message. Neither article suggests any friction or disagreement during the call, and both portray the interaction as a constructive beginning.

Key Claims

• Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar described Israel-Hungary ties as a "special relationship" during a press conference following his election victory, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• In the same press conference, Magyar said he would aim for a "pragmatic relationship" with Israel and acknowledged that Hungary may no longer be able to guarantee blocking EU decisions regarding Israel, saying each case would be assessed individually. This claim appears in one of the two reports.
• Magyar declared that Hungary would rejoin the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, reversing a policy of the outgoing Orban government. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post, citing Magyar's remarks.
• Magyar denounced antisemitism in Hungary, stating a zero-tolerance policy, and noted that Hungary is home to one of Europe's largest Jewish communities. This was reported in the Diaspora-focused article.
• Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar congratulated Magyar and his Tisza party on their victory, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• The phone call took place on April 15, and both leaders extended reciprocal invitations: Magyar invited Netanyahu to a ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising, and Netanyahu invited Magyar to Jerusalem for a government-to-government meeting. This is reported in the later article, citing the Prime Minister's Office.
• Netanyahu's son, Yair, praised Orban's support of Israel and some of his policies, according to one of the reports. This remark was not directly linked to the phone call but was included in the coverage of the new government's stance.

Perspectives

Israeli Government

The Prime Minister's Office framed the call as "warm" and emphasized the importance of preserving the "close relationship" between the two countries. Netanyahu's acceptance of the invitation to Budapest and his return invitation to Jerusalem suggest a desire for continuity and mutual engagement, despite the change in Hungarian leadership.

Peter Magyar and Tisza Party

Magyar's public statements convey a dual message: reaffirming the friendship with Israel while signaling a more pragmatic and case-by-case approach to EU matters. His emphasis on the Jewish community and zero tolerance for antisemitism is clearly aimed at reassuring Israeli leaders and Jewish organizations. His commitment to rejoin the ICC marks a significant departure from Orban's policy, which could have broader implications for international legal matters.

Outgoing Hungarian Government

Viktor Orban's concession speech and the transition period were not covered in the provided materials, but his legacy of strong support for Israel, including recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the relocation of Hungary's embassy, remains a backdrop to the current shift. Netanyahu's son's praise of Orban reflects the Israeli right's appreciation for Orban's policies.

Context and Analysis

The relationship between Israel and Hungary has been notably close under Orban, who was often described as Israel's closest ally in the European Union. His government vetoed EU statements critical of Israel and took steps to strengthen bilateral ties. Magyar's ascent introduces an element of uncertainty, as his party's platform includes a more independent foreign policy and a commitment to EU norms, including membership in the ICC.

The phone call between Netanyahu and Magyar appears designed to manage this transition smoothly. By extending invitations and speaking warmly, both leaders are signaling that bilateral cooperation will continue, even as policy nuances may evolve. Magyar's caution about EU decisions suggests that Israel may no longer be able to rely on Hungary as an automatic ally in Brussels, but the "special relationship" language indicates a desire to maintain strong bilateral bonds.

The Jerusalem Post's coverage, while limited to two articles, provides a coherent picture of the immediate aftermath of the election. The repetition of key quotes across both pieces underscores their importance in shaping the narrative of a new chapter in Hungary-Israel relations.