In Israeli Parliament, Milei declares plans to relocate the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem by 2026.
A Bold Shift: Argentina's Embassy Move to Jerusalem
In a move that's set to shake up the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Argentine President Javier Milei has announced his plans to transfer Argentina's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, effective in 2026. This decision, announced during a speech at the Israeli Parliament on June 12, 2025, marks a substantial shift in Argentina's diplomatic relations[1][2][3].
Controversial Chorus
While this decision, which remains unchanged under the Biden administration, has garnered applause from Israeli leaders, it has stirred concerns within the international community. Following the lead of the United States under Donald Trump, other countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Kosovo have made similar moves[3][5]. However, the international community generally keeps its embassies in Tel Aviv to avoid interfering with Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The city's status remains contested, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming Jerusalem as their capital[3][5].
Argentina Weighs In
In response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Milei asserts that the international community has wrongly categorized the aggressor and the victim. He further contends that the international community has been swayed by terrorist propaganda[1]. During his visit to the Israeli Parliament, Milei received the Genesis award, often referred to as the Jewish Nobel Prize, presented by the Genesis Foundation of Israel[1].
Netanyahu's Praise
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Milei for his unwavering support in Israel's struggle against forces of darkness, a clear reference to Hamas[1][4]. Netanyahu emphasized Milei's unwavering backing in the face of global criticism and arbitrary arrest orders targeting Israel's leadership[1].
Friendship in the Face of Conflict
During a heartfelt exchange, Netanyahu and Milei expressed their deep friendship and mutual admiration, with both leaders suffering from sore throats, which they jokingly attributed to their shared love for Israel and free markets[1]. Netanyahu underlined the strengthening bilateral cooperation and the fruitful relations between Israel and Argentina[4].
According to Netanyahu, the large Jewish community in Argentina serves as a living bridge between the two nations, with Argentina providing refuge for Jews fleeing economic hardships and anti-Semitic persecution in the past[4]. The ties between the two countries continue to grow as they reach new heights of collaboration.
The average international response to Argentina's embassy move to Jerusalem, announced by President Javier Milei, has been a mix of praise from Israeli leaders and concerns within the broader global political landscape. This average stance is in contrast to the United States under Donald Trump and countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Kosovo, who have also moved their embassies to Jerusalem, avoiding the contested city to maintain neutrality in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
