Argentina President Javier Milei deepened his public alliance with Israel on Tuesday, meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during an emotionally charged visit that began with a stop at the Western Wall and culminated in a diplomatic show of support for Israel’s war against Hamas.

In a private 90-minute meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, Milei and Netanyahu discussed strategic cooperation, including plans to launch a direct flight between Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv and defense technology collaboration. Milei reaffirmed Argentina’s “unwavering commitment” to Israel and described the partnership as grounded in shared democratic values.

Later, in a public ceremony hosted by President Herzog at the President’s Residence, Milei declared: “Israel, in its rejection of the cowardly surrender in the face of terrorism, is a lighthouse shining a light on the path of freedom.”

Praised as being a 'true friend' of Israel

Herzog praised Milei as a “true friend” and thanked him for standing by Israel in its time of crisis. He noted Milei’s decision to declare national days of mourning after the Bibas family — Israeli-Argentine citizens — were murdered in Hamas captivity. Herzog also called on world leaders to demand the release of Israeli hostages and praised Argentina’s recognition of Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations.

“The State of Israel will always remember your unequivocal support for our right to defend ourselves,” Herzog said. “We will never forget your tears of sorrow during our joint visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz.”

Argentinian President Javier Milei visits at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, on June 9, 2025. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90)
Argentinian President Javier Milei visits at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, on June 9, 2025. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90)
Milei, in turn, emphasized the common struggle of Argentina and Israel against terror. “The future needs our collaboration to spread light and keep the darkness at bay,” he said, invoking the memory of the AMIA and Israeli embassy bombings in Buenos Aires and calling for the immediate release of the four remaining Argentina hostages held by Hamas: Eitan Horn, Ariel and David Cunio, and Lior Rudaeff.

The visit comes as Milei continues his international tour, aligning Argentina with Western allies. His embrace of Israel has included proposals to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem and a public declaration of his admiration for Zionism and Judaism, despite not being Jewish himself.

Milei was accompanied on the visit by his sister and General Secretary of the Presidency, Karina Milei, Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, Argentina's Ambassador to Israel, Axel Wahnish, and Israeli Ambassador to Argentina, Eyal Sela.