Israel shifts on Falklands issue, tacitly backing talks as regional pressure and UK sanctions mount
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Israel’s government has told diplomats to support Argentine-British negotiations over the Falklands, a move that stops short of endorsing Argentina’s sovereignty claim but reflects a political recalibration amid British sanctions on West Bank settlements and growing friction with London.
Israel’s foreign policy on the Falklands islands was altered after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed diplomats to back Argentina’s call for direct talks with the United Kingdom on the territory’s future. The change, reported by The Telegraph, does not constitute formal support for Argentina’s sovereignty claim but marks the first time Israel has taken a position on the dispute.
"Israel recognizes the importance that the Argentine public attaches to this issue, as well as its ongoing efforts through diplomatic channels and in accordance with the principles of international law," said Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon during a recent UN session.
Government sources said the wording of the new statement was approved at the highest levels of the Israeli administration, suggesting a strategic response to recent British actions, including sanctions on West Bank settlements and the downgrading of the UK consulate in Jerusalem.
"No such directive exists," wrote Alex Gandler, the Israeli embassy spokesperson in the United Kingdom, on X.
The shift comes amid heightened tensions between the United Kingdom and Israel, following statements by the British foreign secretary and prime minister criticizing Israeli settlement policies. Ties between Israel and Argentina remain strong, highlighted by Argentine President Javier Milei’s multiple visits to Israel, including participation in Independence Day ceremonies.