Argentine President Declares 'Anyone Who Messes With Israel Messes With Us'

Argentine President Javier Milei delivered a strong pro-Israel speech in Buenos Aires on Monday, asserting an unusual connection between Israel's security and the future of the Western world. Speaking at an event titled "Night of Celebrations for Israel," held at the "Vision of the Future" church and organized by the Latin Coalition for Israel, Milei stated, "Anyone who messes with Israel messes with the entire West." He was presented with the "Gratitude Award" by the organization's head, Pastor Mario Bramnick, for his support of Israel and the Jewish people.

Milei emphasized that Israel is not merely a country Argentina chooses to support but a symbol of the values underpinning Western culture. He drew parallels to the Maccabees' victory over the much stronger Greek Empire over two thousand years ago, quoting from the Book of Maccabees: "Victory in war does not necessarily depend on the number of soldiers, but on the forces that come from heaven." He applied this to Israel's current situation, stating it faces forces seeking to extinguish the light it represents.

The president addressed the global rise in antisemitism, noting that Israel faces attacks not only on its existence but also on its right to self-defense. He congratulated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on election results, stating Israel needs strong leadership for its upcoming challenges. Milei also recalled the 1992 Israeli embassy bombing and the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, which killed 114 people, emphasizing Argentina's understanding of terrorism's cost and its judiciary's recognition of Iran and Hezbollah's responsibility for these attacks.

Furthermore, Milei criticized the international left for undermining the legitimacy of Western nations and Israel, accusing some of justifying terrorist organizations while blaming the countries fighting them. He also commented on the upcoming visit of Pope Francis, expected in November, anticipating it would strengthen the Judeo-Christian values foundational to Western culture. Milei concluded by affirming Argentina's choice to stand with Israel and Western leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, declaring, "Israel today holds the same light against the darkness, and Argentina has chosen to be by its side," before ending with a call for freedom.