Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated Hungary’s opposition leader Péter Magyar on his election victory, while simultaneously expressing “deep appreciation” for his “dear friend” Viktor Orbán.
In a post on X, Netanyahu described the outgoing right-wing Hungarian prime minister as “a true friend of Israel” who had stood firmly by the country “in the face of unjust international vilification” and supported Israeli soldiers in what he called a “just war of self-defense against brutal terrorists.”
He added that “the people of Israel will remember this forever.”
Netanyahu wished Magyar “success in leading Hungary forward, while strengthening the strong ties between our nations.”
“I look forward to continuing our cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.
Relations between Netanyahu and Orbán are particularly close.
The Hungarian leader was the only European head of government to host Netanyahu last year, marking the Israeli premier’s first such visit since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him for actions taken in Gaza.
Both leaders share similar views favouring strong executive power with fewer constraints from institutional checks and balances. They have also been critical of independent judiciaries and media outlets that report critically on their governments.
Orban repeatedly backed Netanyahu’s controversial handling of the war in Gaza. As a member of the European Union, Hungary on several occasions blocked EU resolutions calling for ceasefires and greater consideration for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.
During the campaign, Magyar pledged to more firmly anchor Hungary within the EU. However, Israeli analysts do not expect a major shift in Hungary’s relations with Israel.