Israeli FM Visits His Hungarian Counterpart in Budapest

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó strongly condemned the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments festering in Western Europe and the United States, asserting that such scenes are “absolutely unthinkable” in Hungary.

During a joint press conference with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz, Minister Szijjártó expressed grave concern over the growing anti-Israel bias in international organizations, vowing that Hungary would continue to insist on fair and equal treatment for Israel while preventing “one-sided, biased anti-Israel rants and statements.”

He attributed the alarming rise of modern anti-Semitism in the West to an “absolutely irresponsible migration policy in Europe,” where vocal minorities often override the will of the silent majority.

In contrast, he proclaimed that the Jewish community in Hungary is “absolutely guaranteed the possibility of peaceful coexistence,” lambasting the hypocrisy of countries criticizing Hungary on anti-Semitism when they should “remain silent” on the matter.

Highlighting Hungary’s supportive stance towards Israel, Mr. Szijjártó noted that the Israeli national football team has chosen Hungary as its home ground, assuring that

as long as there is a need for Israel to find a home away from home, Hungary will be available.”

He pledged that during Hungary’s upcoming presidency of the European Union, efforts would be made to restore EU-Israel cooperation on a basis of mutual respect, including organizing an EU-Israel Association Council meeting.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister acknowledged the era of danger facing humanity, with armed conflicts raging worldwide, the most serious being the war in Ukraine and the crisis in Gaza. He underscored Hungary’s direct involvement in the latter, as many Hungarians reside in Israel, some of whom were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists last October. Expressing concern that a confluence of the Gaza crisis and Ukraine war could precipitate a “world conflagration” and a global war, he outlined Hungary’s four-point position:

1. The events of October 7 must never be repeated, necessitating victory over terrorist groups.
2. The immediate, unconditional release of all hostages, including the remaining Hungarian captive.
3. Unacceptable use of civilians as human shields by terrorist organizations; civilian lives must be spared.
4. Preventing the conflict’s escalation and spread, which could inflame the entire region.

Israeli Foreign Minister Katz expressed gratitude for Hungary’s support, hailing the country as a true friend of Israel, with bilateral relations grounded in mutual respect.

He commended Hungary’s exemplary fight against anti-Semitism, wishing that the rest of the world could follow suit.

Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Hegedüs Róbert