Argentina’s President addresses Israel’s legislature during solidarity visit to the Jewish State.
Argentinian President Javier Milei delivered an address before the Knesset this evening (Wednesday), during which he announced that Argentina’s embassy in Jerusalem would be relocated to Jerusalem in 2026.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana welcomed President Milei to the Knesset, calling his visit a “historic moment” in the relationship between Israel and Argentina.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to host, together with you, dear Members of Knesset, the greatest friend the State of Israel and the Jewish people have ever had in the Casa Rosada and in Argentina – President Javier Milei,” Ohana said.
“This is a historic moment in Israel-Argentina relations, as it marks the first time the Knesset has hosted an Argentine President to address the full plenum. During our meeting in Buenos Aires, I believed there was no one more fitting than you, Mr. President, to enter the annals of Israeli and Jewish history as the first Argentine leader to speak to the people of Israel from their house of representatives. I thank you for accepting my invitation. Welcome to the Knesset and welcome to Jerusalem!”
Ohana praised Milei for consistently choosing truth over convenience, values over political trends, and for deriving moral clarity from his weekly Torah studies with his rabbi. “These, as you’ve said, have given you ‘a moral compass lacking in the modern political world.’”
“You searched, you deepened, you found your roots. And in doing so, you discovered the truth that connects our people across millennia to our ancient homeland and to our one and only eternal capital.”
Highlighting Milei’s unwavering support for Israel, Ohana noted: “It is no surprise that you have become one of Israel’s most passionate friends and defenders on the world stage. Your words have resonated far and wide and have been received by the people of Israel like cold water to a parched soul – words backed by actions.”
“You have stood against Iran – the regime of evil funding the current war against Israel on seven fronts.”
Ohana warned that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons continues as Israel wages its “just and prolonged war,” while its soldiers fight to return 55 hostages still held in Gaza. “The Iranian regime presses forward with its nuclear ambitions. The Jewish people have learned from history – when our enemies declare their intent to destroy us, we take them seriously and act accordingly. Mr. President, we will prevail.”
“By standing with Israel, you have woven yourself and the Argentine people into the eternal story of the Jewish nation. On behalf of the Knesset, representing all citizens of Israel – thank you. Long live the State of Israel, long live Argentina, long live liberty!” Ohana concluded.
To the sound of applause from the coalition, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid addressed Milei and said: “Sir, since the Prime Minister does not know Spanish, I can tell you in secret that we disagree on almost nothing. But there are two things on which we agree. The first is that Jews have the right to defend themselves. Israel will not surrender or bend. Neither in the face of terror nor in the face of lies. The second is that your friendship and support for Israel moves us all, and we welcome you on your visit to the Holy Land.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated before Milei spoke, “Javier, you are a true friend. With this visit, we are bringing our relations to new heights. 12,000 kilometers separate Buenos Aires, Israel, and the Knesset in Jerusalem. This great distance is compensated for by the closeness of our hearts.”
“A year and a half ago, you stormed into the presidency of your country. You brought a unique, authentic and decisive leadership style. A sweeping style, and from the very first moment you expressed complete support for Israel. For 20 months, we have been fighting the human monsters who kidnapped, raped, and beheaded on October 7. In the face of this brutal and unprecedented aggression, you said in clear words – we are on your side in the battle against the forces of darkness. Thank you for standing by us in the battle against the forces of darkness. You stood on the side of truth and against lies, understanding that this is a just war beyond compare. This is a war of barbarity that threatens the entire world.”
“You share our spirit against those who issue outrageous arrest warrants for leaders in Israel. What are you actually saying? You are saying that good is good, evil is evil, and good must eradicate evil. Israeli citizens feel a natural sympathy for Argentina for many reasons. Argentina has always been engraved in our hearts,” Netanyahu said.
President Milei stated in his remarks. “The Argentine embassy will move to Jerusalem during the year 2026.”
He added, “My brothers and sisters, Argentina stands by you in these difficult days. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for much of the international community that is being manipulated by terrorists and turning victims into perpetrators. It is important to understand that we are in the midst of a battle between good and evil, and we began to lose this battle when we began to not distinguish between the two. The international community must urgently reconnect with its moral compass. To decide, one only needs to look at the facts: on the one hand, the barbaric terrorism that only kills and destroys, and on the other, the only stronghold in the region where there is freedom and democracy.”
“Argentina is going through its own exodus, it is freeing itself after 100 years of political past, it has become one of the countries with the highest tax burden in the world. Our administration inherited over 50% poverty. They elected a new person who was an outsider to politics to lead the nation. We were elected to make Argentina a freer country and we will not rest until we do this,” said President Millay.
