To Budapest or to jail? Hungary’s new PM, Magyar, has a confusing message for Netanyahu

Under Magyar, Hungary appears to be pivoting back toward alignment with European institutions and international law. even if it puts it on a collision course with Israel.

By Abe Mermelstien, Jewish Breaking News

In an interesting diplomatic reversal, Hungary’s incoming prime minister, Péter Magyar, first created headlines by inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit, only to then publicly state he would have him arrested, should he enter the country.

Just days ago, Magyar held what was described as a warm introductory call with Netanyahu, during which he personally invited him to Budapest for an official visit later this year for the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution, signaling continued ties between the two countries.

It should be noted that the current and outgoing PM Viktor Orban is extremely close to Netanyahu and has held excellent ties with Israel.

Netanyahu accepted the invitation, with both sides expressing interest in maintaining strong relations despite Hungary’s political transition.

But then came the dramatic twist.

Magyar announced that Hungary would rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), a major policy reversal from the previous government, and made clear that his administration would enforce ICC arrest warrants, including one issued against Netanyahu.

In blunt remarks, Magyar said that if Netanyahu were to enter Hungary, he would be arrested, as the country would be legally obligated to comply.

Under Magyar, Hungary appears to be pivoting back toward alignment with European institutions and international law. even if it puts it on a collision course with Israel.

Netanyahu’s travel options in Europe were already limited due to the ICC warrant, but Hungary had been a rare safe haven.