ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar held what the Prime Minister’s Office described as a warm introductory phone call on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as both sides moved to signal continuity in ties after Hungary’s recent election.

According to the PMO, the conversation focused on preserving the close relationship between Jerusalem and Budapest under Hungary’s incoming leadership.

During the call, Magyar said he intended to maintain the close relationship between Hungary and Israel and invited Netanyahu to attend a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising. Netanyahu welcomed the remarks, accepted the invitation, and invited Magyar in turn to a government-to-government meeting in Jerusalem.

Current Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceded the election earlier this week after partial results put Magyar's Tisza party on course for a parliamentary supermajority.

In a press conference held after his victory, Magyar said that Israel and Hungary share a "special relationship."

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.
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. (credit: REUTERS/MARTON MONUS)

"Hungary is home to a strong Jewish community - one of the largest in Europe - fortunately living in peace and security," Magyar said. "Many Hungarian nationals live in Israel, and many Israeli citizens come here."

Netanyahu's son lauds Orban's policies, support of Israel

Netanyahu and Orban had shared a close connection while Orban was prime minister. Last month, Netanyahu's son visited the CPAC Hungary 2026 conference, where he praised Orban's support of Israel.

“We are deeply grateful for the friendship and support of Prime Minister Orban and Hungary. We have no better friends in Europe,” he said. According to him, Hungarians also benefit from a special relationship with Israel: “I think Hungary also has no better friends in the Middle East.”

He also praised some of Orban's policies, particularly on immigration and security, saying “In Hungary, there is no terror. Society is more homogeneous, there is social cohesion compared to Western Europe, which suffers from weak leadership.”

Reuters and Idan Kweller contributed to this report.