Javier Milei meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

President Javier Milei met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday morning, with trade ties, Hamas and the potential move of Argentina's Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem leading the agenda.

The two leaders talked mid-morning in Jerusalem after Milei met with several Israeli businessmen.

Following the meeting, the far-right president visited the Holocaust Museum, carried out the traditional planting of a tree in the Keren Kayemet LeIsrael Forest and toured the Old City of Jerusalem, among other events with officials.

Netanyahu posted about the meeting afterwards on the X (formerly Twitter) social network, thanking Milei for the visit.

"Happy to receive Argentine President Javier Milei in Israel. We had an important and warm meeting,” the Israeli Prime Minister wrote.

It continued: "I thank him for his decision to declare Hamas a terrorist organisation, his firm support for Israel and his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the Argentine Embassy. Welcome friend!" 

Israeli media outlets reported that, during the discussions, Netanyahu had acknowledged that both leaders “champion” free markets and enterprise.

The Israeli PM highlighted the opportunities for boosting bilateral trade. 

"We can do a lot more together. We share the desire for prosperity, security, and peace,” Netanyahu is reported to have said.

“We know that the greatest challenge to peace in our area, but also in yours, is Iran. And we appreciate the cooperation that we are doing with you in security and diplomacy," he added.

The Libertada Avanza leader announced his plan to move Argentina’s Embassy to Jerusalem as soon as he landed on Israeli land this week, on the tarmac of the airport near Tel Aviv.

On Tuesday, Milei met Israeli President Isaac Herzog after first visiting the Wailing Wall, an event which moved him to tears.

–TIMES