Argentina will move its embassy to Jerusalem in 2026, Argentinian President Javier Milei announced in a ceremonial speech in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday evening.

Milei began his speech by saying that the “cancer” of antisemitism is spreading once again despite the lessons of the Holocaust. He criticized what he called a “corruption” of Western values, arguing that the global Left has lost its moral compass and was “siding with Hamas.”

“Argentina will not stand on the sidelines” and will “raise its voice in defense of fellow human beings,” Milei said.

The Argentinian president commended Israel for being a bastion of democracy in a hostile region. He praised a number of “miracles” – the formation of the state, its victory in the War of Independence, its emergence as a global technological leader, and the economic reforms of the 1980s in which Israel overcame hyperinflation.

He also commended what he called Argentina’s “economic miracle,” calling his approach a “paradigm shift” that included opposing “unnecessary” government spending and carrying out a series of fiscal and monetary reforms.

Argentinian President Javier Milei speaks at Knesset plenum in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Argentinian President Javier Milei speaks at Knesset plenum in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Milei’s speech was preceded by warm speeches by Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid.

Israeli leaders commend Milei

Ohana called the move a “historic moment in the history of Israel-Argentina relations” and commended Milei for “choosing to prefer truth over convenience, faith over trends, and a moral compass over automatic conformity.”

Netanyahu, who spoke after Ohana, called Milei a “true friend,” adding that “twelve thousand kilometers separate Buenos Aires from the Knesset in Jerusalem. This vast distance is compensated by the closeness of our hearts.”

Netanyahu continued by praising Milei’s “unique, authentic, and resolute leadership style – one that is dynamic and compelling,” and added that “from the very first moment, you [Milei] expressed unwavering support for Israel.”

“For the past 20 months, we have been fighting against the human monsters who kidnapped, assaulted, and beheaded on October 7. In the face of this unprecedented and brutal aggression, you spoke with absolute clarity: We stand with you in the battle against the forces of darkness,” Netanyahu said.

“You have taken a stand for truth against falsehood, understanding that this is a war of unparalleled justice – an all-out battle against barbarism that threatens the entire world,” he added.

In his speech, opposition leader MK Yair Lapid commended Milei for being “truly right wing” due to his slashing government spending, lowering inflation, and investing in the middle class. Lapid criticized the current government, hinting that it was doing the opposite.