Jerusalem [Israel]: Argentine President Javier Milei began his landmark three-day visit to Israel on Tuesday by meeting President Isaac Herzog, underlining a renewed spirit of friendship and deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Arriving in Israel on Monday evening, Milei’s first stop was the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where he prayed for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.
“My support for Israel comes from the heart, because I believe this is a just cause–the cause of the West. I will always stand by your side,” Milei said.
Milei, known for his staunch pro-Israel stance, is set to receive the prestigious Genesis Prize at the Knesset on Wednesday evening, where he will also address Israeli lawmakers. On Thursday, he will deliver a lecture at Hebrew University before concluding his visit.
During their meeting, President Herzog lauded Milei’s commitment to Israel:
“During your presidency, my friend President Milei, relations have reached a new high, and will rise even higher.”
Herzog emphasized Argentina’s historic role in fostering ties with Israel, noting that it was the first Latin American country to establish an embassy in Israel. The Israeli president praised the new memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations, focusing on safeguarding democracy, combating terrorism, and fighting antisemitism.
The two leaders also discussed Argentina’s upcoming role as chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 2026, with Herzog expressing confidence that Milei would advance the alliance’s mission to combat Holocaust denial and antisemitism globally.
On regional security, Herzog warned of Iran’s growing influence:
“Iran is the evil octopus sending tentacles of terror worldwide. No nation can tolerate a nuclear Iran – not Israel, not our allies, not the world.”
Milei reiterated his pledge to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem, a move long demanded by pro-Israel supporters, and to launch direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, strengthening tourism and business links.
The leaders also discussed the so-called “Isaac Accords” – an initiative led by Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, aimed at fostering closer ties between Israel and Latin American democracies like Costa Rica, Panama, and Uruguay. Modeled after the 2020 Abraham Accords, this proposal seeks to bolster Israel’s regional diplomacy beyond the Middle East.
President Herzog also commended Milei for his vocal support for hostages held by Hamas, including several with Argentine citizenship, and called upon the world community to maintain pressure on Hamas for their release:
“No political process can move forward until every hostage is returned,” Herzog insisted.
President Milei’s visit, marked by strong pro-Israel rhetoric and ambitious diplomatic announcements, signals a significant realignment of Argentina’s foreign policy and an effort to position Buenos Aires as a trusted ally of Israel in Latin America.