Israel's Netanyahu welcomes Argentina's President Milei in Jerusalem

Israel's Netanyahu welcomes Argentina's President Milei in Jerusalem

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel warmly welcomed Argentina's President Javier Milei to Jerusalem on June 11, 2025, marking a significant diplomatic visit amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. This meeting underscores Argentina's unequivocal support for Israel, a stance that has been evident since Milei's presidency.

Milei's visit to Israel is part of a broader international tour, during which he has been strengthening economic ties and promoting his administration's pro-Israel policies. The Argentine leader is scheduled to address the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and receive the Genesis Prize, an award often referred to as the "Jewish Nobel," for his commitment to Israel. This will be the first time a non-Jewish head of state receives the prize [1].

The visit comes at a time when Israel is facing increasing isolation from the global stage due to its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Despite this, Argentina has maintained strong ties with Israel, including a recent agreement to launch direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, operated by El Al. This move aims to bolster economic cooperation between the two nations, even as European countries and others are distancing themselves from Israel [2].

Milei's support for Israel is rooted in his personal fascination with Judaism and his belief in the "just cause" of the Jewish state. He has been vocal about his stance, visiting Jerusalem's Western Wall upon his arrival and pledging his support for Israel at the site. His visit to the Western Wall was met with enthusiastic support from worshippers and Jewish leaders, who thanked him for his "defense of the State of Israel" [3].

The Argentine leader's visit also includes meetings with top Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During these meetings, Milei is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding focused on "democracy and freedom." Additionally, he will meet with relatives of Argentine-Israeli citizens who were kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to reaffirm his support for Israel [4].

Milei's visit underscores Argentina's commitment to Israel despite global pressures. His administration's pro-Israel stance has been a departure from traditional Argentine foreign policy, which has historically been more neutral on Middle Eastern issues. Milei's support for Israel, however, is not without political risks. As Israel continues to face international criticism and potential sanctions, Milei's affinity for the country could impact his re-election prospects in 2027 [2].

In conclusion, President Milei's visit to Israel is a significant diplomatic event that highlights Argentina's strong support for the Jewish state. This visit comes at a critical time for Israel, as it faces global isolation and ongoing conflict with Hamas. Despite these challenges, Argentina has remained a steadfast ally, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening economic and political ties with Israel.

References:
[1] https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/2025-06-09/ty-article/.premium/unequivocal-support-for-israel-javier-milei-will-be-first-non-jew-to-win-jewish-nobel/00000197-54ad-d586-a3f7-fdaf6ffa0000
[2] https://monocle.com/affairs/javier-mileis-israel-visit/
[3] https://www.columbusjewishnews.com/jns/argentine-president-vows-support-for-israel-at-western-wall/article_b7d5fdd3-19a3-5972-8c03-774f26cfe4dd.html
[4] https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/world/milei-lands-in-israel-makes-second-emotional-visit-to-wailing-wall.phtml