Budapest (QNN)- Hungary has entered a new political phase after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán lost power following a tight election race. His ruling Fidesz party fell behind the opposition Tisza party led by Péter Magyar, ending Orbán’s 16-year grip on government.
The result marks a major political shift in Europe. It also carries global implications, especially for allies like Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin.
Orbán built one of the closest relationships with the occupation state of Israel inside the European Union. He described Israel as a strategic and ideological partner. His personal ties with Netanyahu shaped Hungary’s foreign policy for years.
Under Orbán, Hungary repeatedly used its veto power inside the European Union to block statements and sanctions targeting Israel's crimes. This position gave Tel Aviv a strong shield in Europe.
Now, Israeli officials fear a major policy shift. Reports from Yedioth Ahronoth say leaders in Tel Aviv closely monitored the vote and warned that Orbán’s loss could remove Israel’s last line of defense in the EU.
Magyar, who aligns more closely with European policies, may end Hungary’s use of the veto. This change could open the door for unified EU action against Israel. Such actions may include criticism of settlement expansion, settler violence, and military assaults.
The election result also deals a blow to Donald Trump. He openly backed Orbán during the campaign. Just days before the vote, Trump urged Hungarians to support his “true friend” and promised to use the full economic power of the United States to help Hungary if Orbán won.
Magyar strongly criticized those remarks. He accused Washington of interfering in Hungary’s elections. The controversy added tension to an already heated campaign.
Orbán maintained strong ties with Russia and often opposed Western pressure on Moscow. He rejected military support for Ukraine and avoided direct confrontation with the Kremlin.
Magyar represents a different direction. He supports closer alignment with European policies and may shift Hungary’s stance on Russia. This change could strengthen European unity at a time of ongoing geopolitical tension.
Orbán’s defeat may also affect sensitive legal issues. His government began the process of withdrawing Hungary from the International Criminal Court in 2025. Magyar has pledged to stop that move.
If Hungary remains in the ICC, it must comply with arrest warrants. This includes the warrant issued against Netanyahu. As a result, Netanyahu may no longer be able to visit Budapest freely.
Hungary could also reconsider its position at the International Court of Justice, where it opposed charges of genocide against Israel in Gaza.
Despite these changes, some Israeli assessments suggest the shift may not reach the level seen in countries like Spain or Ireland. Major powers such as Germany and Italy still hold more cautious positions, which may limit any aggressive EU-wide action.
However, Orbán’s defeat removes a key political ally for Israel inside Europe. It also complicates Tel Aviv’s relations with the EU at a critical moment.
