Benjamin Netanyahu on Viktor Orban
TL;DR
Benjamin Netanyahu views Viktor Orban as a crucial, principled ally who staunchly supports Israel on the international stage.
Key Points
He thanked Orban for his principled position against the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the warrant issuance for the Israeli leader in April 2025.
Netanyahu explicitly stated that Orban proudly and unstintingly supports Israel at the EU and the UN.
He lauded Orban's strong stance against antisemitism, including recognizing the link between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and adopting the IHRA definition.
Summary
Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong appreciation for Viktor Orban during a joint appearance in Budapest, framing their relationship as a great and deepening alliance important for both nations and for Western civilization. The Israeli Prime Minister thanked his Hungarian counterpart for his unstinting support at the European Union and United Nations, specifically highlighting Orban's bold and principled stance regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC). He further commended the Hungarian leader for taking a strong stand against antisemitism, recognizing that it is often masked by anti-Zionism, and for adopting the IHRA definition.
The context of the relationship is one of shared strategic battles, as Netanyahu stated they are fighting a similar battle against radical Islam, spearheaded by Iran, for the future of Judeo-Christian and Western civilization. This cooperation is expanding into practical areas like technology and defense. While a prior visit in 2017 was marked by tension between the host government and the Hungarian Jewish community, the most recent visit in April 2025 saw mainstream Jewish institutions enthusiastically welcoming Netanyahu, coinciding with Hungary's move to withdraw from the ICC after it issued a warrant for the Israeli leader's arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benjamin Netanyahu views Viktor Orban as a close and important political ally. He has publicly praised the Hungarian Prime Minister for his strong support of Israel internationally and his principled stance on various issues.
The provided context suggests a strong, consistent alignment between Benjamin Netanyahu and Viktor Orban, particularly in recent years. Their shared stance on security and against international bodies like the ICC indicates a firming of a strategic partnership.
Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Viktor Orban supports Israel proudly and unstintingly, specifically standing with Israel at the EU and the UN. He also thanked him for taking a bold stance on the ICC.
Sources4
Remarks by PM Netanyahu at the Joint Statements with Hungarian PM Viktor Orban in Budapest
EU hypocrisy on parade as Netanyahu goes to Hungary without a peep
Why Hungarian Jewish Institutions Are Embracing Orbán and Netanyahu
Hungary: Arrest and surrender Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to the International Criminal Court
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.