Viktor Orban on Israel

Viktor Orbán has established Hungary as one of Israel's closest allies within Europe, consistently backing its sovereignty and right to self-defense on the international stage. He explicitly stated that Israel's stability is in Hungary's direct national interest and called the nation an anchor in the Middle East. This support was notably demonstrated by hosting the Israeli Prime Minister in April 2025, despite an outstanding arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prompted the Hungarian government to announce its withdrawal from the court, deeming it a political entity. Orbán has also condemned rising antisemitism in Western Europe, contrasting it with the perceived safety of the Jewish community in Hungary, which he claims is the safest in Europe due to a zero-tolerance policy against antisemitism and illegal migration, which he links to the spread of anti-Jewish sentiment.

His strong alignment with Israel's leadership is deeply integrated into his broader foreign policy, often used to challenge the consensus and policies of the European Union. The relationship is characterized by significant bilateral ties, including substantial Israeli investment, robust trade, and military-security cooperation. He has made it clear that Hungary will not enforce ICC warrants against Israeli officials, solidifying the bond between the two leaders. This close relationship has been a defining feature of Hungary's foreign policy under his tenure, often placing Budapest at odds with other EU member states on Middle East issues.