Hungary has repeatedly used its EU veto to block sanctions on Israel; if opposition leader Péter Magyar wins and aligns with Brussels to unlock billions in funding, Jerusalem could lose its last line of defense in the bloc

How significant would a Magyar victory be for Israel? Officials familiar with the matter say a Hungary led by Magyar would not resemble Spain or Ireland, which have taken some of the most hardline positions against Israel in the European Union. Magyar is a center-right candidate. The concern for Israel lies in his campaign promise to secure $15 billion in EU funding for Hungary.

To do so, he would need to align with Brussels. This would likely mean the end of Hungary’s veto on decisions targeting Israel. As a result, Jerusalem could lose its last line of defense in the EU against sanctions, which require unanimity among all 27 member states. Hungary’s vote has repeatedly blocked such initiatives, and that protection could now disappear.