Netanyahu Orders Support for Argentina in Falklands Dispute

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that Israel should support Argentina in its dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands, according to a report by the British Telegraph. Netanyahu reportedly instructed diplomats to shift Israel's official stance, recognize Argentina's historical connection to the territory, and join Buenos Aires in calling for direct talks on the islands' future.

The decision comes amid personal ties between Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei, a strong supporter of Israel, and in response to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to impose economic sanctions on settlements in Judea and Samaria. Tensions between Britain and Argentina, at their highest since the 1982 Falklands War, are also linked to the Sea Lion oil field, located about 220 km north of the islands. The field, estimated to contain 1.7 billion barrels, is considered one of the world's largest, with Israeli company Navitas holding a 65% stake.

Earlier this month, the British Foreign Secretary approved the development of the Sea Lion field. Navitas's plans have faced strong opposition from Milei, who has threatened legal action against the Israeli company and anyone involved in the drilling. Milei asserts Argentina's ownership of the islands, despite their current British sovereignty. In September, he announced that Navitas's project violates Argentine law, which prohibits resource exploitation without state approval.