Eurotopics.net

A direct exchange between envoys of Israel and Lebanon has taken place in Washington for the first time in decades. The Israeli ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, described the talks with his Lebanese counterpart, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, as very positive. They agreed that Hezbollah must relinquish its power. Commentators, however, are sceptical about the prospects of success.

The Gaza war has triggered a wave of antisemitism across Europe. French MP Caroline Yadan has introduced a bill aimed at countering this trend, which is due to be debated in the French National Assembly today. Critics warn that the new legislation could restrict freedom of expression and criminalise criticism of Israel's policies.

The human rights organisation Memorial has been labelled as "extremist" by Russia's Supreme Court, effectively criminalising its activities inside Russia. Memorial was founded in 1989 to document repression in the Soviet era. The organisation was liquidated in 2021 but continued to work abroad and, to some extent, in Russia as well. The Nobel Committee, which awarded Memorial the Peace Prize in 2022, has condemned the decision.

Under Viktor Orbán, despite EU and Nato membership Hungary's position was pro-Russian and anti-Ukraine. After his election victory Péter Magyar has made it clear that: "Ukraine is the victim in this war." And if Putin calls, he will tell him to "stop the killing after four years". The media discuss what the new Hungarian stance on the two warring parties could mean.