Milei heads to Israel for ‘Isaac Accords,’ embassy move and first flight route

Milei is a passionate Zionist, and as a sign of his devotion to the cause, he renamed a street in Buenos Aires called “State of Palestine Street” to “Bibas Street.”

By Dinah Bucholz, Jewish Breaking News

Exciting developments are in store for the burgeoning relationship between Israel and Argentina, as the Latin American country’s president touched down in Israel Sunday for the historic opening of a direct flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Buenos Aires and the even more historic signing of the Isaac Accords.

But that’s not all. The visit will mark the opening of Argentina’s embassy in Jerusalem, and Milei will light a torch at a dress rehearsal in honor of Israel’s Independence Day.

The Abraham Accords include Middle Eastern countries, and their new offshoot is also designed to bring Latin American countries into a closer and more beneficial relationship with Israel.

Milei canceled his original plan to stay for the actual Independence Day. Instead, he will light a torch at the dress rehearsal the day before the main event, where the footage will be broadcast across the country.

The president will fly home Tuesday.

Milei is a passionate Zionist, and as a sign of his devotion to the cause, he renamed a street in Buenos Aires called “State of Palestine Street” to “Bibas Street” in commemoration of the three members of the Bibas family who were abducted on Oct. 7 and brutally murdered by their captors.

The statement announcing Milei’s participation in the torch-lighting ceremony said as much.

“Milei … has expressed his support for Israel through a series of leadership decisions — from recognizing Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations, to efforts to secure the release of hostages, the decision to rename ‘Palestine Street’ as ‘Bibas Family Street,’ and his determined fight in international forums against antisemitism and in support of Israel’s right to defend itself,” the statement said.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who oversees the ceremony, profusely thanked Argentina’s leader for the solid friendship and support that he has shown Israel in its past difficult two and a half years.

“In these complex times we are living through, the State of Israel has found in Buenos Aires a true friend and a devoted partner,” she gushed.

“President Javier Milei is among the most prominent leaders of the free world and one of Israel’s closest allies, a true friend and a genuine Zionist, a model of partnership, loyalty and appreciation for the Jewish people, and one of the greatest friends of the Jewish people.”

“His selection reflects the deep gratitude felt by all Israeli citizens for his leadership and our great pride in the warm and close ties between Israel and Argentina,” she added.

But Milei’s friendship with the Jewish state goes much deeper than mere diplomacy. The president of Argentina has said that he fully intends to convert to Judaism after his term ends.

The only thing holding him back, he said, is the difficulty of Shabbat observance while serving as president.

If the Abraham Accords are anything to go by, then great benefits are in store for both signatories to the Isaac Accords.