Argentinian President to visit Israel
Argentinian President Javier Milei begins a one-week international trip today, where he will travel to Israel, Italy, and the Vatican.
While in Israel, Milei is expected to showcase his strong support for the Israeli government in the face of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Speaking at a Holocaust remembrance event in Buenos Aires last week, Milei said Argentina would “not remain silent in the face of Hamas terror” and that he hopes his visit will instigate a “new chapter in the brotherhood of our two nations.” That 11 Argentines are among the hostages held by Hamas gives Milei further justification for his pro-Israeli rhetoric.
The trip will take on symbolic meaning for the President; Milei recently expressed his intention of converting to Judaism. Whilst Milei’s conversion is likely driven by personal reasons, it will no doubt win him political favour with Jewish communities in Argentina and elsewhere.
Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu already enjoy a close relationship, with the Israeli PM in December publicly thanking Milei’s intention to move Argentina’s Israeli embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Aid from Argentina is unlikely, although expect further alignment between Argentina, Netanyahu’s government and Israel more broadly as a result of this trip.
