Tuesday briefing: Hungary approves Sweden’s NATO bid
Hungary approved Sweden’s NATO offer
After more than a year and a half of hesitation, the Hungarian parliament voted yesterday to approve Sweden as a new member of NATO.
This move allows Sweden to overcome the final hurdle that had blocked its membership. It comes at a critical time for the alliance, which is trying to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine.
The parliamentary vote followed a decision by Sweden to supply Hungary with four Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets and a promise that Saab, which produces the fighter jets, would open an AI research center in Hungary. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has maintained cordial relations with President Vladimir Putin, has a long track record of using Hungary’s veto over major decisions in Europe in an attempt to extract money or rewards.
The long, drawn-out process to get to this point is likely to leave a bitter aftertaste and will not quickly change Orbán’s reputation as a troublemaker more interested in befriending Putin than supporting the alliance.
Background: After Putin invaded Ukraine, both Finland and Sweden quickly applied to join NATO. Finland was admitted to the alliance last April, but the strategic defeat inflicted on Putin was undermined by delays in Sweden’s approval.
Analysis: Putin now faces an expanded and motivated NATO. Its expansion is a setback from the invasion of Ukraine that he may not have taken into account.
Movement in a possible deal between Israel and Hamas
In a major shift, Israeli negotiators have indicated that Israel could release a group of high-profile Palestinians jailed on terrorism charges in exchange for the freedom of some of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, officials said.
The change in Israel’s negotiating strategy, which has not been publicly announced, is important because it could convince Hamas to release captured Israeli soldiers and agree to a deal that would temporarily pause fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Details: The proposal, put forward by the US, would free five female Israeli soldiers for 15 Palestinians convicted on major terrorism charges, according to officials.
Context: International efforts to broker a ceasefire have been stalled by Israel’s refusal to release Palestinians convicted of murder and commit to a permanent ceasefire. Officials are rushing to seal a deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in about two weeks.
Other developments:
The pressure on Biden is increasing
Michigan is holding its Democratic primaries today, and while President Biden is all but guaranteed an easy victory, a movement is encouraging Democratic voters to protest his stance on the war in Gaza by voting “uncommitted.” While any protest votes would have little chance of derailing Biden’s campaign, they could raise concerns that he will be vulnerable in Michigan, a swing state, in November’s general election.
The past few months have become particularly stressful for the White House. My colleague Peter Baker writes that some in government see wars, old age, family stress and a new race against Donald Trump accompanied by unusual violence.
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