Orban slams Israel over church ban in Jerusalem: ‘Unacceptable’

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has condemned Israel’s decision to bar Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. In a statement posted on X, Orban described the restriction as a serious affront to Christian believers, stressing that armed conflict should not be used to exclude any faith from access to the city’s sacred sites. His remarks carry particular weight given Budapest’s historically close diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, a relationship that has drawn significant international attention.

A historic first in centuries

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem disclosed on Sunday that Cardinal Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo, the custos of the Holy Land, were stopped while traveling privately to the church and ordered to turn back. The patriarchate noted that the incident marked the first time in centuries that church leaders have been barred from marking Palm Sunday at the site, which is regarded as one of Christianity’s holiest locations. The restriction has prompted concern among religious communities in Türkiye and across the wider region, where the protection of holy sites remains a deeply sensitive issue.

Orban’s stance and diplomatic context

Orban’s criticism is notable given his government’s longstanding alignment with Israeli leadership. Last April, he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Budapest and announced Hungary’s intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move widely seen as a gesture of solidarity with Israel amid international legal proceedings. “This is unacceptable for us as Christians, even taking into account the wartime situation and general security measures,” Orban wrote, adding that Jerusalem must remain a shared holy city open to all faiths.

Broader restrictions on worship

Israeli authorities have also maintained restrictions on Muslim worshippers, barring entry to Friday prayers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque for the fourth consecutive week. The compound, which stands as Islam’s third-holiest site, has been closed since late February under emergency measures linked to the ongoing conflict. The simultaneous restrictions on both Christian and Muslim access to their respective holy sites have drawn growing international concern, including from diplomatic circles in Ankara, where Türkiye continues to emphasize the importance of preserving Jerusalem’s multi-faith character.