Viktor Orban

Middle Israel: Orbán’s defeat, Hungary's political shift, and lessons for Israel - opinion

Hungary's defeat of Orbán’s authoritarianism offers a powerful lesson for Israel. Can Israel learn from Hungary’s democratic shift and face its own political challenges?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a media briefing in Budapest, Hungary, December 21, 2022.
HUNGARIAN ELECTION winner Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza Party, speaks to the media in Budapest, on Wednesday.

Elections polls in Hungary and the Israeli lesson - opinion

PETER MAGYAR, leader of the opposition Tisza Party, speaks during a press conference a day after the parliamentary election, in which Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceded defeat, Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 2026.

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

Election winner Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza Party looks on, on the day of a meeting with Hungary's President Tamas Sulyok after the parliamentary election, at Sandor Palace in Budapest, Hungary, April 15, 2026.

Hungarian Jewish community extend olive branch to Magyar, including Orban allies


Trump praises Orban as ‘tough’ defender of Christians

The U.S. President described the Hungarian PM as “highly respected." "Probably, like me, a little bit controversial, but that’s okay," he added.

U.S. President Trump meets with Hungary's Prime Minister Orban at the White House in Washington

Nine Democrats ask Trump to cancel meeting with Hungarian leader

Trump and Netanyahu have warm relations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is welcomed to Jerusalem by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 19

Hungary will not soften laws to allow Soros college to stay

Central European University, set up by Soros, a Hungarian-born liberal philanthropist, will move part of its operations to Austria from September because of rules forbidding it to issue U.S. degrees.

Hungarian President Viktor Orban (left) and Jewish Philanthropist George Soros

Hungary opens ‘first European diplomatic mission in Jerusalem in decades’

Netanyahu thanks Orban for stand against antisemitism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the Hungarian Foreign Minister at the dedication ceremony of the Hungarian diplomatic mission in Jerusalem

Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Slovakia leaders to meet Netanyahu in Jerusalem

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has forged ties with central European countries viewed as more sympathetic to Israel's struggle.

 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, and Slovakian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini

Senior source: 'Netanyahu got almost all he wanted from Pompeo'

"Israel had eight requests, and seven were granted," the source said. "The only issue that is still under discussion is the sale of aircraft to Croatia."

Benjamin Netanyahu and Mike Pompeo meet at UN Security Council, September 26, 2018

Viktor Orban reportedly sends letter defending Hungarian magazine accused of antisemitism

Orban also accused World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder of having a "left-wing and liberal bias" in Hungarian public affairs.

HUNGARY’S PRIME Minister Viktor Orban arrives for a Visegrad Group meeting in Brussels.

Which foreign leaders should Israel welcome?

One does not have to sympathize with Orban to welcome him. Neither does one have to like the illiberal character of his government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Hungary's controversial right-wing, anti-immigrant prime minister, Viktor Orban who is visiting Israel

Hungary’s Viktor Orban fosters antisemitism

Hungarian antisemitism is the highest in Europe.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addresses supporters after the announcement of the partial results of parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, April 8, 2018

Sometimes false friends are better than none

Why Israel’s government is under pressure to accept the support of far-right foreign leaders

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Hungary's controversial right-wing, anti-immigrant prime minister, Viktor Orban who is visiting Israel