Hungary–Israel relations

During the first half of the 20th century, many Hungarian-Jews have been suffering from antisemitism. The Nazis killed 564,000 Hungarian-Jews in 1944 – during the Holocaust.[7]

The diplomatic relations between Hungary and the State of Israel were officially established in 1949.[8] Hungary opened a legation in Israel, along with other countries from the Eastern Bloc in 1952.[9] Hungary served its relations with Israel after the Six-day war, like many other countries from Eastern Europe, as a result of that, the Hungarian legation in Israel closed.

In the late-1980s Mikhail Gorbachev started reforms of democratization in the USSR. The Hungarian leader János Kádár agreed with Gorbachev's reforms, and its country became closer to the western countries. the first unofficial ties between the countries started in September 1987, when Hungary and Israel opened non-resident interest offices for each other. The official diplomatic relations have fully restored in 1989.[10]

In the 21st century, Hungary is known as one of the best friends of Israel in Europe, breaking the European consensus many times and standing on Israel's side. The Hungarian and Israeli leaders have both made official visits many times.

in 2019, Hungary opened a trade office in Jerusalem, recognizing it as an integral part of Israel de-facto.[11]

on 21 May 2020, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign affairs has spoken to his Israeli colleague and told him that "Hungary will always stand beside Israel". He also criticized Europe for its "politic hypocrisy".[12] Later that year, the two countries have decided to co-operate in the field of Space-research.[13]