Argentine President Javier Milei announced that Argentina’s Embassy will move to West Jerusalem by 2026 during his historic address to the Knesset. His speech condemned Hamas, emphasized solidarity with Israel, criticized activist Greta Thunberg, and celebrated Argentina’s economic reforms. A Memorandum on Freedom and Democracy will be signed in June to formalize this diplomatic shift.
Argentine President Javier Milei made history on Wednesday by becoming the first Argentine leader to address the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. During his speech, he announced plans to relocate Argentina’s Embassy from Tel Aviv to West Jerusalem by 2026. This shift underscores Argentina’s deepening ties with Israel, particularly in the wake of the ongoing tensions following the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
Milei condemned the Hamas attack and called for the release of any Argentine hostages, emphasizing solidarity with Israel during this challenging time. He spoke passionately, stating that there is no moral equivalence in the conflict, insisting, “When the opposing forces are good and evil, there is no moral equivalence possible. Argentina will not stand aside.”
Throughout his remarks, Milei also directed criticism at activist Greta Thunberg, who he accused of making false claims about being kidnapped by Israel, suggesting that the real victims are the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas. His speech also contained significant ideological undertones, framing Argentina’s support for Israel within a larger context of freedom and self-defense.
Additionally, Milei was honored with the prestigious Genesis Prize for 2025, often referred to as the Jewish Nobel Prize. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Argentina’s support. Milei boasted about his government’s economic progress, which has included measures to reduce inflation and foster a more free trade-friendly economic environment.
He described his administration’s effort as a transformative “exodus” from years of political and economic hardships, identifying Israel as a vital ally in these changes. According to him, Argentina is not just freeing itself from previous governance but also expanding its political landscape towards greater freedom, stating, “Today Argentina is living its own exodus.”
On June 12, a Memorandum on Freedom and Democracy in the Fight against Terrorism and Anti-Semitism is set to be signed, cementing this new diplomatic direction. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana referred to Milei as potentially “the best friend Israel has ever had at the Casa Rosada,” reinforcing the idea of solidarity and friendship between the two nations. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid commended Milei’s economic strategies and welcomed him warmly in Spanish, highlighting a shared history between the countries, including the memory of the antisemitic attacks in Buenos Aires during the 1990s.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s announcement about relocating Argentina’s Embassy to West Jerusalem marks a significant shift in Argentina-Israel relations. With his speech to the Knesset, Milei not only condemned recent violence but also celebrated his government’s socio-economic reforms. The upcoming signing of a memorandum on freedom and democracy highlights further commitment, showcasing a deepening partnership rooted in ideological alignment and mutual support.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
