Netanyahu praises 'great friend' Milei for moving Argentinian embassy to Jerusalem
Argentina's far-right leader traveled to Israel in his first official foreign visit since being sworn into office
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Argentinian President Javier Milei on 7 February, thanking the newly elected leader for moving his nation's embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.
“I’m delighted to welcome you, President Milei, and your delegation to Israel. You’re a great friend of the Jewish state. We are delighted with your decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move your diplomatic post there, and also, of course, an embassy,” Netanyahu said.
"We know that the greatest challenge to peace in our area, but also in yours, is Iran. And we appreciate the cooperation that we are doing with you in security and diplomacy … Your stalwart support for Israel in so many forms is deeply, deeply appreciated. Welcome to Jerusalem. Welcome, friend,” the Israeli premier added.
Milei arrived in Israel on Tuesday, pledging to move Argentina's embassy to occupied Jerusalem and highlighting Buenos Aires' support for Israel's “right to self-defense” in Gaza, where the Israeli army has massacred over 27,000 Palestinians – nearly two-thirds of whom are women and children.
“I have been committed since day one to making sure that my first diplomatic visit as president would be to the State of Israel. Here I am, keeping my promise now,” Milei said upon his arrival to Tel Aviv, adding that his visit is a “concrete testimony to the commitment we’ve had from the very first day of the terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October.”
Argentina had “not only condemned the terrorist actions by Hamas,” he continued, “but also expressed our solidarity with the State of Israel and have continued to support Israel’s right to legitimate self-defense in this context.”
Milei also pledged to list the Palestinian resistance group Hamas as a “terrorist organization.”
In response to his comments, Hamas issued a statement condemning the Argentinian leader, calling the move of the diplomatic mission “a violation of the rules of international law, considering Jerusalem to be occupied Palestinian territory.”
Hamas also urged Milei to reverse this decision, saying it is “unjust and wrong” and places Argentina “as a partner of the Zionist occupier in its violations against our people and their rights.”
Argentina has joined the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea in recognizing occupied Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.