Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered diplomats to change Israel’s official position on sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and join Argentina in calling for direct negotiations between Buenos Aires and London over the future of the islands. The telegraph reported Saturday.
The change does not go so far as to formally support Argentina’s claims to the Falklands, but it raises concerns that Israel could do so if the UK imposes new sanctions on West Bank settlements, the report said.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon called for direct negotiations between the UK and Argentina at a UN session a few days ago.
“Israel recognizes the importance that the Argentine public attaches to this issue, as well as its continued efforts through diplomatic channels and in accordance with the principles of international law,” he said.
Although the text did not include formal support for Argentina’s claim to the Falklands, government sources said The telegraph that this marks a significant change in Israel’s position and raises fears that Israel could go further later, especially if Netanyahu wins the next election.
“The wording of the statement itself was approved at the highest levels of the Israeli government,” a source said. “This is the first time that Israel has become involved in this conflict. »
However, Israeli embassy spokesman Alex Gandler denied that Netanyahu had issued any order to change Israel’s position.
“There is no such directive,” he wrote on X/Twitter.
Tensions increased when the British consulate in Jerusalem was downgraded and most staff expelled.
An Israeli official said The telegraph that the UN intervention had also been taken in the context of “a change in policy by the British government towards Israel”, citing in particular “all the critical statements made by the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary in recent weeks, particularly with regard to sanctions”.
Ties between Israel and Argentina are strong, with Argentine President Javier Milei having visited Israel on several occasions, including to light a ceremonial torch on Israel’s Independence Day.
Milei expressed consistent support for Israel throughout the war following the October 7 massacre.
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