Report: Netanyahu Ordered Diplomats to Back Argentina in Falklands Dispute
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A report in The Telegraph claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed Israeli diplomats to support Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, including backing negotiations and recognizing Argentina's historical ties. The alleged move is linked to Netanyahu's relationship with Argentinian President Javier Milei and a possible response to British sanctions on West Bank settlements. Israel has denied the report, with the Israeli Embassy in London stating no such directive was issued. The islands are a focus for Israeli company Navitas due to oil reserves, with production slated to begin in 2028.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly ordered diplomats to support Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands.
- The alleged directive includes backing negotiations and recognizing Argentina's historical connection to the islands.
- Israel has officially denied the report, stating no such instructions were given to diplomats.
- The dispute involves Israeli company Navitas, which has a stake in offshore oil exploration in the Falklands.
- Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, which have been under British control since 1833.
A dramatic report published by the British newspaper The Telegraph claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli diplomats to support Argentina's position in the historical dispute over the Falkland Islands. The directive reportedly includes backing direct negotiations on the islands' future and recognizing Argentina's historical connection to them.
The British newspaper links this alleged move to two main factors: Netanyahu's warm relationship with Argentinian President Javier Milei, known for his pro-Israel stances, and a potential response to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to impose economic sanctions on settlements in Judea and Samaria.
However, Israel has denied the report. Alex Gandler, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in London, stated that no such directive was ever given to diplomats. The Falkland Islands, located about 500 kilometers off the coast of Argentina and 13,000 kilometers from Britain, have become a tangible Israeli interest due to large offshore oil reserves. The Israeli company Navitas holds a 65% stake in the offshore oil project "Sea Lion" in the Falklands, in partnership with the British company Rockhopper.
According to Reuters, oil production is expected to begin in 2028. Last September, President Milei announced measures against companies exploiting the Falklands' natural resources without his government's approval. Argentina also announced its intention to file criminal complaints against companies producing oil and gas in the area, including Navitas. These companies assert they are operating under legal licenses granted by the island government with full British support.
Argentinian Foreign Minister clarified that these actions against companies would not harm relations with Israel, but stressed that political friendship does not grant commercial companies legal immunity. Britain has controlled the Falklands since 1833, following a brief war with Argentina in 1982 that resulted in a British victory. A 2013 referendum saw nearly all island residents vote to remain under British rule, though Argentina continues to claim sovereignty.
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