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Argentina to Move Israel Embassy to Jerusalem by 2026

A symbolic representation of Argentina's embassy move to Jerusalem, featuring iconic landmarks and a blend of warm colors.

Argentine President Javier Milei declared the country will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by 2026 during a speech in the Israeli parliament. This move mirrors U.S. policy initiated by Trump and raises significant diplomatic implications amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Milei’s visit also included calls for the return of Argentines held hostage in Gaza amid the escalating humanitarian crisis.

Argentine President Javier Milei announced on Wednesday that Argentina will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by 2026. This statement was made during a speech to the Israeli parliament on an official state visit. Currently, the embassy is situated in Herzliya, a city near Tel Aviv. This relocation is a significant step given the sensitive status of Jerusalem in the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Milei’s commitment to relocating the embassy mirrors the controversial decision of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. This decision ignited widespread discontent among Palestinians and condemnation from parts of the international community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking before Milei’s speech, affirmed that “the city of Jerusalem will never be divided again.”

Following Milei’s earlier visit to Israel in February 2024, where he initially announced plans to move the embassy, this trip marks his second visit since becoming president. Historically, most foreign embassies are located in Tel Aviv, a location preferred to avoid complicating the delicate negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

To date, several nations, including the United States, have moved their embassies to Jerusalem, breaking with longstanding international consensus on the issue. The move has drawn scrutinies, especially as advocates for Palestinian statehood continue to push for East Jerusalem as the capital of their potential state.

Milei has expressed a profound interest in Judaism, and during his visit, he has reiterated Argentina’s support for Israel amid critical humanitarian situations in Gaza, which have escalated due to ongoing conflict. He stated his country stands “firm alongside you as you go through these dark days” and vowed to resist criticisms of complicity.

At the same time, Milei has also called for the “unconditional return of the four Argentines still in captivity” in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack that incited further hostilities in the region. This attack led to significant casualties among civilians on both sides, raising concerns over the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded. Reports indicate at least 1,219 people were killed in Israel, while the Gaza health ministry claims that over 55,104 individuals have died due to the retaliatory Israeli strikes, with the majority of casualties being civilians.

As this complicated and sensitive situation continues to unfold, the implications of Milei’s announcement about relocating the embassy could send ripples through international relations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In summary, President Javier Milei’s announcement to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem by 2026 reaffirms a commitment that aligns with other nations that have taken similar steps, amidst ongoing tensions in the region. The move is significant, given the historically delicate nature of Jerusalem’s status in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Additionally, Milei’s expressed support for Israel amid the humanitarian crisis faced by Gaza adds a complex layer to Argentina’s foreign policy stance in the era of mounting conflict.

Original Source: www.france24.com

Omar El-Sharif is an influential journalist with a rich background in covering international relations and cultural narratives. After completing his education at Georgetown University, he engaged in various reporting roles for globally recognized news agencies. Omar is known for his balanced reporting style and his ability to provide context to complex geopolitical issues, making meaningful contributions to discussions around global peace and conflict resolution.

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