Argentine President’s Visit to Israel

Argentine President Javier Milei wrapped up his second official visit to Israel on Thursday, reiterating his backing for the country’s right to national defense during a session in the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset.

He described this visit as a “turning point” aimed at reinforcing the amicable ties between Argentina and Israel.

Milei arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday for a three-day trip, marking his longest international tour as president. This journey started last week and included stops in Italy, the Vatican, Spain, France, and culminated in Israel before he returned to Spain for some awards over the weekend.

Upon arrival, the Argentine president prayed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, accompanied by his sister Karina Milei, along with Argentina’s Foreign Minister, Gerald Vertein. He was welcomed by a lively crowd.

“Everything I do for Israel is genuine because I believe in a cause—the Western cause,” Milei stated.

During his visit, he also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Milei emphasized the shared struggle against terrorism affecting both countries, recalling the tragic terrorist attacks on Argentine Jewish targets in the 1990s and recent events where several Argentinians died during Hamas’ attacks against Israel.

With a focus on securing the release of four Argentinians held by Hamas, he characterized Israel as “a beacon that lights the path of freedom and commitment to civilization.” He added, “Argentina will stand firm in defending freedom and enhancing our longstanding ties based on shared objectives and histories.”

“The future demands collaboration to spread light and dispel darkness. We must insist on the unconditional release of all hostages currently held in Gaza, as we stand alongside Israelis during these dark times,” he remarked.

Milei also had a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports from the Israeli Foreign Ministry indicated that the Argentine president commended Netanyahu’s efforts in a complex conflict and expressed firm support for Israel’s pursuit of justice.

Netanyahu praised Milei for his market-oriented policies, which he believed contributed significantly to Argentina’s prosperity. The leaders agreed to maintain personal communication and boost bilateral cooperation.

On Wednesday, Milei met with the families of hostages taken by Hamas, reiterating that his family prioritizes a commitment to ending terrorism over seeking the release of the hostages.

“I am undoubtedly Israel’s strongest and most unwavering ally, as the fight against terrorism is fundamentally about good versus those who threaten civilization,” he declared.

Milei then addressed the Knesset, becoming the first Argentine president to deliver a speech in that assembly. He announced plans for Argentina to move its embassy to Jerusalem by 2026 and mentioned an upcoming memorandum on “freedom and democracy in combating terrorism and anti-Semitism.”

“In conflicts, there is no moral equivalence between good and evil,” he added. “Argentina will not remain silent; we will vocalize our position in favor of defending human rights,” he stated.

He also highlighted Argentina as home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America and the seventh largest globally.

On Thursday morning, during his speech at Hebrew University, he touched upon the Argentine Supreme Court’s recent ruling against former President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner, which upheld a six-year prison sentence for corruption.

Milei expressed skepticism, stating that while he respects the judiciary, he aligns with the vision of a republic that allows judges to act freely. “Justice is justice, and the outcome is clear,” he noted.

On the same day, Milei received Israel’s Genesis Award for his support of the Jewish state. He announced plans to donate the $1 million prize to causes that aim to combat anti-Semitism and promote freedom both in Argentina and globally.