Full Breakdown
Gideon Sa’ar's Diplomatic Visit to Hungary and Croatia Amid Rising Tensions
9/10/2025, 10:32:12 PM
Overview of the Diplomatic Visit
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar embarked on a two-day diplomatic visit to Hungary and Croatia, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Sa’ar's itinerary included meetings with key officials, including Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, as well as discussions with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During his visit to Croatia, Sa’ar met with Prime Minister Plenkovic, where they discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly the war against Hamas in Gaza. Sa’ar expressed gratitude for Croatia's support for Israel following the October 7th attacks and reiterated Israel's commitment to peace while emphasizing its right to defend itself against ongoing threats, particularly from Iran. He referenced a proposal by former President Donald Trump, which includes the release of hostages and a halt to military actions in Gaza as part of negotiations.
Rising Tensions with Spain
The backdrop of Sa’ar's visit coincided with escalating tensions between Israel and Spain. Spain recently barred two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, from entering its territory, citing their roles in actions deemed as contributing to human rights violations in Gaza. Sa’ar condemned these actions, labeling them as antisemitic, and criticized Spain's recognition of Palestinian statehood as destabilizing to the region. He argued that such initiatives reward Hamas and undermine prospects for peace.
Criticism of European Sanctions
Sa’ar's visit also comes amid discussions within the European Union regarding potential sanctions against Israel, which have faced strong opposition from member states like Germany and Hungary. A French diplomatic source indicated that imposing sanctions is currently unfeasible due to this opposition. Sa’ar's meetings in Hungary and Croatia are seen as efforts to solidify alliances within the EU against such measures.
Official Statements & Responses
In his remarks, Sa’ar stated, “Israel is the country that has been under attack on all fronts over the past two years and is not the aggressor.” He emphasized that Israel seeks peace but cannot compromise on its security. Plenkovic, while supportive of Israel, also expressed a belief in a two-state solution, a stance that Israel has historically rejected.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He added, “This initiative will not bring us closer to peace or security, the opposite, it will only destabilise the region.” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister
- “Peace will be achieved in a bilateral context and not through decisions taken in Paris or Madrid,” — Gordan Grlic Radman, Croatian Foreign Minister
Conclusion
Gideon Sa’ar's diplomatic visit to Hungary and Croatia underscores Israel's efforts to strengthen ties with European allies amid growing criticism and potential sanctions from other EU nations. The discussions reflect the complexities of international relations in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the divergent views on achieving peace in the region.
