Ben-Gvir Urges Israel to Back Argentina on Falklands Amid UK Sanctions Threat

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has issued a strong response to reports that the United Kingdom is planning to impose trade restrictions on products and services originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Ben-Gvir suggested that if Britain intends to take action against Israel over the political dispute concerning settlements, Israel should retaliate with a counter-diplomatic move by reviving the international dispute over the Falkland Islands, which are under British control but also claimed by Argentina.

Ben-Gvir asserted that Israel should alter its stance on the issue and publicly declare support for Argentina's position. He proposed that the Israeli government should recognize Argentine sovereignty over the islands and view the British presence there as an occupation. The minister further criticized Britain, alleging that it exploits its control of the islands for natural resource extraction, including oil activities, which he claims infringes upon Argentina's rights and assets.

In his remarks, Ben-Gvir directly addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to adopt a firm diplomatic approach towards London. He specifically recommended promoting Israeli recognition of Argentine sovereignty over the Falklands and even considering sanctions against Britain as long as its control over the islands persists.

The statement comes in the wake of reports that the British government is considering intensifying its measures against economic activities linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank. If implemented, such a move could further escalate the political tensions between Jerusalem and London. Ben-Gvir's comments essentially aim to establish a reciprocal diplomatic equation: if Britain pressures Israel on territories involved in international disputes, Israel should, in his view, publicly challenge the legitimacy of British control over the Falklands and support Buenos Aires's position.

This represents a particularly unusual and sharp statement, connecting the dispute over the West Bank with one of the oldest and most sensitive territorial conflicts in the relations between Britain and Argentina.