“Isaac Agreement” in Jerusalem. Milei and Netanyahu form a new axis

Argentine President Javier Milei arrived in Israel on Sunday, where he is to open the embassy in Jerusalem, moved from Tel Aviv. Together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they announced the Isaac Agreement – a new initiative aimed at deepening relations between Israel and Latin American countries.

The project is modeled on the Abraham Accords, under which the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan normalized relations with Israel in 2020-2021, with the support of the United States.

Additionally, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirano signed memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fight against terrorism and in the field of artificial intelligence.

Netanyahu is expected to accompany Milei during a rehearsal of the torch lighting ceremony to mark Israel's Independence Day. Contrary to previous plans, the Argentine president will not take part in the official ceremony on Tuesday evening, but will participate in the rehearsal during which he is to light the torch.

According to the official statement, Milei was selected for this role in recognition of his support for Israel, including efforts to recognize Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations, efforts to free Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity, and speeches against anti-Semitism in international forums, the daily Israel Ha-Yom reported.

During the visit, Netanyahu announced the launch – for the first time – of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires. Connections operated by the Israeli carrier El Al are scheduled to launch later this year, and the Israeli government has approved a special budget to support them.

The new route is intended to strengthen ties between Israel and South America, especially with the Argentine Jewish community – the fifth largest in the world and the largest so far without direct flights to Israel – noted Ynet.

Milei, raised as a Catholic, publicly declares his attachment to Judaism. He regularly studies Torah and even announces conversion, but only after the end of his term, because – as he believes – as president, he would not be able to properly observe the rules of Shabbat, including: work ban.

The Argentine leader is considered a close ally of Netanyahu and enjoys broad support from the Israeli authorities.

This is his third visit to Israel since taking office, this time to formally open the Argentine embassy in Jerusalem.

Currently, only a few countries maintain embassies in Jerusalem, including the US, Kosovo, Honduras, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay. Most countries refuse to relocate their facilities because such a move implies recognition of Israeli claims to the city.

The Palestinians want East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967, to be the capital of their future state. Israel recognizes the entire city – including the eastern part – as its capital.

East Jerusalem, annexed in 1980, is considered occupied territory by much of the international community, and its status is to be resolved as part of a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. (PAP)

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