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Diplomatic clash

Netanyahu backs Argentina on Falklands

British paper says PM instructed envoys to support talks on islands; move tied to UK sanctions on Judea and Samaria and warm ties with Milei; Israeli oil firm at center of dispute

3 min read
Argentina's national team with banner reading "Malvinas (Falkland Islands) are Argentine"
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli diplomats to support Argentina's position in the historic dispute over the Falkland Islands, the British Telegraph reported Saturday night. According to the report, the directive includes backing direct negotiations on the islands' future and recognition of Argentina's historical claim to them.

The British paper ties the move to two factors: first, Netanyahu's warm relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his pro-Israel positions; second, the move is presented as a possible response to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to impose economic sanctions on settlements in Judea and Samaria.

Israel denied the report. Alex Gandler, spokesman for Israel's embassy in London, said no such instruction was ever given to diplomats.

Israeli oil company at center of dispute

The Falkland Islands, located some 500 kilometers off Argentina's coast and 13,000 kilometers from Britain, became a tangible Israeli interest due to large oil reserves beneath the seabed. Israeli company Navitas holds a 65% stake in the Sea Lion offshore oil project in the Falklands, in partnership with British firm Rockhopper. According to Reuters, oil production is expected to begin in 2028.

Last September, President Milei announced he would pursue sanctions against companies exploiting the Falklands' natural resources without his government's approval. At the same time, Argentina announced its intention to file criminal complaints against companies producing oil and gas in the area — among them Israeli firm Navitas. The companies claim they operate under legal licenses granted by the islands' government with full British backing.

Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno clarified that the moves against the companies would not harm warm relations with the State of Israel, but stressed that state friendship does not grant legal immunity to commercial companies.

President Milei at Chevron Yeshiva in Hebron
President Milei at Chevron Yeshiva in Hebron (Photo: Yehuda Granovsky)

Britain has controlled the Falkland Islands continuously since 1833. In 1982, Argentine forces invaded the islands in an attempt to reclaim sovereignty, a move that led to the Falklands War, a fierce 74-day military conflict that ended in British victory at the cost of hundreds of dead on both sides.

In a 2013 referendum, nearly all island residents voted to remain under British rule as an overseas territory. Despite this, Argentina continues to view the islands as illegally occupied territory, and the sovereignty claim remains a burning national issue.

Netanyahu's warm relationship with President Milei began even before he took office. Milei, who has visited Israel several times, prayed at the Western Wall and even announced his intention to move the embassy to Jerusalem. The Argentinian president is known for his admiration of Judaism and his positions supporting the State of Israel.
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