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Change in Hungary increases pressure for EU sanctions and review of relations with Israel
Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary's general election deprives Israel of one of its most reliable allies within the European Union, removing a leader who often used his veto to protect Benjamin Netanyahu's government from pressure.
His departure comes at a time when criticism of Israel is intensifying across Europe, raising the prospect of new EU sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank and intensifying efforts to downgrade relations between the EU and Israel.
The shift is evident even among leaders who were previously generally considered pro-Israel. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday he was “deeply concerned about developments in the Palestinian territories,” following reports from human rights groups of increased settler violence in the West Bank. Italy, meanwhile, last week suspended a defense and technology deal with Israel after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israeli attacks in Lebanon as “unacceptable.”
Orbán, who ruled for 16 years and received support from Netanyahu during his unsuccessful re-election campaign, blocked in February a proposal for sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank, supported by 26 of the 27 EU member states.
When Péter Magyar, who defeated Orbán on April 12, takes office as prime minister, those sanctions are expected to advance, according to three EU diplomats and two European officials. Although Magyar has said he will maintain special relations with Israel, he stressed that he “cannot guarantee that Hungary will continue to block EU decisions regarding Israel.”
An EU official called the shift in Brussels' stance after a series of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon in early April, which killed more than 250 people, a "turning point." "It cost Israel some friends," he said.
Another possible step by the EU is to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has governed trade relations since 2000. This measure, proposed by the European Commission and supported by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has not yet reached the necessary majority, but could advance if Italy changes its position.
Pressure to step up measures against Israel is gaining traction this week as EU foreign ministers meet in Luxembourg to discuss a two-state solution. Discussions are expected to include sanctions on settlers and an association agreement, although some countries may hold off on making any immediate decisions because of ongoing peace talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, tensions have also risen over a controversial law backed by Netanyahu that would impose the death penalty on terrorists from the Palestinian territories. The EU has called it a “serious setback,” while Germany, France and the United Kingdom have warned that the law could undermine Israel’s democratic commitments.
Israeli officials acknowledge that Orbán’s departure could change the diplomatic balance in Europe, but expect Hungary to remain a friendly country. Meanwhile, Magyar and Netanyahu have held a first phone conversation and agreed that the foreign ministers will meet soon. /Adapted from Politico /
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