Report: Netanyahu Ordered Diplomats to Back Argentina in Falklands Dispute

According to a report by the British newspaper The Telegraph, the policy shift was prompted by British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to impose economic sanctions on Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. The sanctions had already triggered a diplomatic crisis, leading to the downgrading of the British Consulate in Jerusalem and the expulsion of most of its staff. The reported shift on the Falklands does not formally endorse Argentina's sovereignty claim but signals potential backing if further British sanctions are enacted.

The diplomatic development also aligns with close personal ties between Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei, a strong supporter of Israel. It comes as Argentina intensifies its diplomatic efforts to reclaim the islands, following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington might not support Britain in a future conflict over the territory.

Adding to the complexity, the Israeli company Navitas Petroleum holds a 65% stake in the $1.8 billion Sea Lion oil field located north of the islands. The project has faced strong opposition and legal challenges from President Milei, who has threatened action against the Israeli company. A maritime tribunal in Hamburg is scheduled to hear Argentina's request to halt the project in November.