Argentine President Javier Milei announced plans to move the embassy to Jerusalem by 2026 during his Knesset address. He condemned Hamas’s attacks and expressed Argentina’s unwavering support for Israel. Recognized with the Genesis Prize, Milei advocated for economic reforms and a close partnership with Israel, marking a substantial shift in diplomatic relations.
Argentine President Javier Milei made headlines on Wednesday as he revealed plans to move the Argentine Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a significant diplomatic shift slated for 2026. Addressing the Knesset, Milei denounced the recent Hamas attack that took place on October 7 and called for the safe return of Argentine hostages caught in the conflict. Notably, he is the first Argentine leader to ever speak before the Knesset.
Milei took the opportunity to voice his support for Israel, stating, “Brothers of Israel: Argentina is with you in this difficult moment.” He firmly defended Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas’s aggression, emphasizing, “When the opposing forces are good and evil, there is no moral equivalence possible. Argentina will not stand aside.”
In recognition of his commitment, Milei received the prestigious Genesis Prize, often referred to as the Jewish Nobel Prize. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lauded Argentina’s backing during this tumultuous period. Milei also used his time to highlight Argentina’s recent economic improvements, mentioning inflation reduction and a push for deregulation to strengthen free trade.
He characterized Argentina’s transformation as an “exodus” from years of political and fiscal challenges, framing Israel as a vital ally in creating a coalition of free nations. He asserted, “Today Argentina is living its own exodus: we are freeing ourselves from a political caste that advanced for decades over the citizens.”
Another key development mentioned in Milei’s speech was the signing of a Memorandum on Freedom and Democracy in the Fight against Terrorism and Anti-Semitism, scheduled for June 12, marking a formal diplomatic agreement. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana described Milei as the best friend Israel has ever had in Argentina, while Netanyahu emphasized the strong camaraderie between the two countries.
Furthermore, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed his support for Milei’s economic policies and connected with him emotionally in Spanish, showcasing the goodwill between the Argentine and Israeli politicians. Milei also reflected on the memory of the antisemitic terrorist attacks in Buenos Aires that occurred during the 1990s, underscoring Argentina’s historical context in these discussions.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s address to the Knesset signals a pivotal moment for Argentina-Israel relations, with plans to relocate the embassy and stronger support for Israel amid crises. His commitment to economic reforms and alignment with Israeli interests highlights a transformative period for Argentina, aiming to break away from past political struggles. The upcoming signing of a Memorandum further solidifies this diplomatic partnership, promising cooperation in combating terrorism and anti-Semitism.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
