Independence Day gesture would cement Milei’s bold pro-Israel leadership and moral clarity globally.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who oversees Israel’s national ceremonies, is expected to propose that Argentine President Javier Milei light a torch at the official Independence Day ceremony. The gesture would recognize what Israeli officials describe as Milei’s exceptional and steadfast support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Milei is scheduled to visit Israel during Independence Day events as a public demonstration of solidarity. Should he agree to light a torch, the move would require a formal government decision, as current ceremony regulations would need adjustment to allow a foreign head of state to participate in this symbolic role.
Throughout his political rise, Milei has positioned himself as one of Israel’s most outspoken allies on the global stage. During Argentina’s presidential campaign, he pledged to relocate the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem and declared that Israel and the United States would stand at the forefront of Argentina’s diplomatic priorities. In rallies, he was seen publicly waving the Israeli flag in defiance of Hamas terrorism, sending a clear message of alignment against extremist violence.
His first international visit as president was to Israel, where he traveled directly from the airport to the Western Wall, underscoring the spiritual and strategic importance he places on the relationship. That visit was widely viewed in Jerusalem as a powerful diplomatic statement.
In February 2025, Milei further demonstrated solidarity by declaring two national days of mourning in Argentina following the return of the bodies of the Bibas family members murdered by Hamas terrorists, including young Ariel and infant Kfir. The move resonated deeply in Israel, reflecting a moral stance rarely expressed so forcefully by foreign leaders.
If finalized, the torch-lighting moment would mark a historic diplomatic milestone. Israel’s Independence Day ceremony traditionally honors individuals who embody the spirit and resilience of the nation. Extending this honor to Milei would signal not only gratitude but a broader strategic alliance grounded in shared democratic values and a firm rejection of terror.
