Argentina Moves Embassy to Jerusalem Amid International Controversy
In a recent address to the Knesset, Argentinian President Javier Milei openly expressed his criticism of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg’s advocacy for Palestinian rights. The populist leader announced plans for Argentina to relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem next year, demonstrating steadfast support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s increasingly embattled government.
Currently situated in Herzliya, just outside Tel Aviv, Milei proudly declared that the embassy will officially move to "the city of west Jerusalem" in 2026. "Argentina stands by you in these challenging times," he affirmed, while denouncing a significant portion of the international community for being "manipulated by terrorists," stating that they are turning "victims into perpetrators."
This visit marks Milei’s second trip to Israel since assuming office in 2023. During his speech, he reiterated Argentina’s commitment to demanding the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza, including four individuals of Argentinian nationality abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Milei’s comments included a harsh critique of Thunberg, who was recently detained by Israeli authorities for attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza. "She became a hired gun for a bit of media attention," he remarked, suggesting her narrative downplayed the true suffering of hostages in Gaza.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, international scrutiny on Israel has intensified. Reports indicate that the death toll among Palestinians has exceeded 55,000 over a prolonged period of conflict.
A Complex Situation
Milei had initially pledged to move Argentina’s embassy during his inaugural visit in February 2024, where he also visited the Western Wall, a significant site for Jewish worship. Ahead of Milei’s parliamentary address, Netanyahu asserted that "the city of Jerusalem will never be divided again."
The status of Jerusalem remains a highly sensitive issue in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Israel claiming the entire city as its capital, while Palestine seeks sovereignty over East Jerusalem for a future state. This area was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed in 1980—a move the United Nations Security Council deemed invalid.
As it stands, only a handful of nations, including the United States, recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, maintaining embassies there following a controversial decision expressed during Donald Trump’s presidency. This status has persisted under the Biden administration, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.