A high-level conference in Budapest on 24 November 2025 highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Israel and Central Europe. Hosted by the Europe Israel Press Association, it examined shifting Middle Eastern geopolitics, Europe’s security priorities, and disinformation undermining Israel’s right to self-defence.

‘“Within half a year, our bilateral relations gained new momentum, and the unsuccessful, troubled period may be replaced by a new American–Hungarian golden age,” wrote Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky on his social media page after meeting Chargé d’Affaires Robert J Palladino of the US Embassy in Budapest, who is leaving the capital upon the expiration of his interim mandate.’

After a 16-year hiatus, Croatia is reintroducing mandatory military service—a move that several European countries have been considering amid growing security concerns across the continent. But what about Hungary?

‘The road to peace is still long…But for now, the most important thing is that the first phase of Trump’s peace plan has proven acceptable to both parties. For 48 Israeli families, their nightmare of the past two years may finally be coming to an end.’

France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner after he publicly accused President Macron’s government of failing to stem a dramatic rise in antisemitism. In his letter, he spoke of street assaults, vandalized synagogues, and defaced schools—echoing data showing roughly 1,570 acts in 2024, a historic surge.

The Hungarian airline is planning to open a hub at Tel Aviv airport, but Israeli competitors may easily stand in its way. Executives of El Al have even lodged a complaint directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu against Wizz Air’s expansion.

In April, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited Budapest amid international controversy over an ICC arrest warrant. Hungary, rejecting the court’s legitimacy, announced its withdrawal from the ICC, later formalized in May. The ICC has since launched non-compliance proceedings, while Hungary claims the court is politically biased and vows not to cooperate.

‘If the government of Israel continues to cause the expense and bureaucratic harassment for the granting of routine visas that for decades have been routine, I will have no other choice than to instruct our consular section to review options for reciprocal treatment of Israeli citizens seeking visas to the United States.’

After opposition led by Hungary, the EU has softened its stance on Israel despite growing calls for sanctions and trade restrictions.

At the NATO summit in The Hague, leaders pledged record defence spending—5 per cent of GDP by 2035—marking the biggest shift since the Cold War. While Ukraine saw little progress toward membership, Donald Trump stole the spotlight with military success and strong support from allies, reshaping the summit’s focus toward core defence.