“Relations between Hungary and Israel remain cordial and stable,” Hungarian President Andras Baka announced during a press briefing on Tuesday alongside President Isaac Herzog.
Herzog arrived in Budapest, Hungary, for a day-long visit. At the beginning of his visit, Herzog was received by Baka at the Sandor Palace, where the two presidents held a private meeting and a wider bilateral meeting before delivering statements to the media. Herzog then met with Prime Minister Peter Magyar of Hungary at the Hungarian Parliament. The Jerusalem Post was part of the presidential motorcade and traveled with him to both meetings.
Upon arriving at the palace, Herzog was greeted warmly by Baka, and the two proceeded to a closed-door meeting.
During the briefing, Herzog thanked Baka for the “warm and gracious reception” and congratulated him on becoming president in August 2026.
Both presidents acknowledged that, in just a few days, Hungary will mark 70 years since the 1956 Revolution.
“Hungary has long stood out as a nation that has fought hard for freedom,” Herzog said.
“Hungarians tore the symbols of tyranny from their flags and bravely asserted their aspiration for liberty and sovereignty. Ultimately, the Iron Curtain did fall. But it took courage, determination, and faith.”
“This story is a familiar one to us in Israel,” said Herzog, adding that history taught both nations that freedom “cannot be taken for granted.”
Herzog says Hungary is an ally against Israel's fight against terror
Herzog then spoke of the importance of Hungary’s allyship in Israel’s fight against terror.
“Hungary has been a friend and an ally on this long and difficult path,” he said.
Herzog told Baka: “You have been a main actor in the European arena and have played an important role in promoting balanced and constructive relations between Israel and the European Union.”
He added that the strong bilateral alliance has deepened considerably over the last year.
He also expressed gratitude to Hungary for its “clear and unequivocal policy of zero tolerance for antisemitism in all of its forms, and for ensuring the protection of Jewish life on this soil.”
Baka told Herzog that the latter’s visit “serves an important purpose: strengthening ties with Hungary’s new leadership, and participating in the Voice of the People conference,” adding that he is pleased that Budapest is hosting the event.
“Hungary is a safe place for Jewish people and for visitors of all backgrounds,” he said, stressing that Hungary condemns antisemitism in all its forms and in the strongest possible terms.
Israel is an 'important economic partner' for Hungary, Baka says
Regarding bilateral relations, Baka said they remain “cordial and stable.” He referred to Israel as an important economic partner, and said Hungary intends to continue pragmatic cooperation in the years ahead.
Although Baka’s words were less effusive than his Israeli counterpart’s, the two nevertheless seemed to be in a positive mood following the discussion.
Herzog then held a private meeting with Magyar followed by a working lunch with senior ministers in the Hungarian government.
While this was closed to the media, it is understood that the two leaders discussed the relations between Israel and Hungary, advancing bilateral cooperation, and Israel’s relations with the European Union. They also spoke about ways to address the various challenges facing the Middle East and Europe.
Hungarian Prime Minister says he will visit Israel in the future
Herzog expressed his appreciation for the Hungarian government’s clear and unequivocal stand against antisemitism, and Herzog invited Magyar to visit Israel.
Magyar told Herzog, “It was a pleasure and a real privilege to have you here in Budapest,” before promising: “See you in Israel.”
Herzog will address the international Voice of the People conference later in the evening.
The conference is part of a global initiative Herzog established that brings together Jewish leaders and young people from the Diaspora and Israel the strengthen ties and advance a shared dialogue on the challenges facing the Jewish people.
Herzog will conclude the visit with a meeting with the leaders of Hungary’s Jewish community.