Argentina to move embassy to Jerusalem, says President Milei

President Javier Milei tells the Knesset that Argentina will relocate its embassy to Jerusalem next year.

By World Israel News Staff

Argentina will open a new embassy in Jerusalem next year, President Javier Milei announced on Wednesday, replacing the existing facility in the city of Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv.

Milei made the announcement during his three-day visit to Israel, while addressing the Knesset during a special plenum session called in his honor.

“In 2026 we will make effective the move of our embassy to the city of west Jerusalem.”

The Argentinian president also reiterated his demand that Hamas release the remaining hostages held in Gaza, including four with Argentinian citizenship.

Milei lamented international pressure on Israel to relent in its war on the Gaza terror group.

“Argentina stands by you in these difficult days,” Milei said. “Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about a large part of the international community that is being manipulated by terrorists and turning victims into perpetrators.”

“How does the world allow a murderous terrorist organization to continue to hold innocent civilians hostage?”

“When the sides are good and evil, there is no moral equality here.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Milei as a “true friend” of Israel.

“Javier, you are a true friend. With this visit, we are bringing our relations to new heights. 12,000 kilometers separate Buenos Aires, Israel and the Knesset in Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said. “This great distance is compensated for by the closeness of our hearts.”

Milei, a long-time supporter of Israel, suggested during his first state visit to Israel in February 2024 – three months after taking office – that his government could relocate Argentina’s embassy from Herzliya to Jerusalem.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) praised Milei in Spanish in the Knesset plenum.

“Since the prime minister does not know Spanish, I can tell you in secret that we disagree on almost everything. But there are two things on which we agree.”

“The first is that Jews have the right to defend themselves. Israel will not surrender or bend. Neither in the face of terrorism nor in the face of lies,” said the opposition leader. “The second is that your friendship and support for Israel move us all.”