Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to drop a cryptic hint at an event with Argentinian President Javier Milei, who is on a visit to the Jewish state. "Every time Javier Milei visits Israel, it's right before something big happens. Who knows what will happen tomorrow or the day after?" he said, even as Milei struggled to control his laughter. With that remark, Netanyahu set the tone for Milei’s latest visit - his third in two years - hinting at developments beyond the ceremonial and diplomatic optics.
Milei arrived on Sunday and was received warmly in Jerusalem, with the two leaders sharing a hug and light moments before getting down to business. Netanyahu even joked about how "Javier" sounds like the Hebrew word "chaver", meaning friend. But beneath the camaraderie, the visit carried strategic weight.
At the Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders signed the Isaac Accords - a new framework that will focus on cooperation in security and artificial intelligence. The name echoes the Abraham Accords of 2020 signed between US President Donald Trump, for friendship and cooperation between Israel and the Arab nations.
The Isaac Accords signals an attempt to expand similar partnerships beyond the Middle East into the Western Hemisphere. Netanyahu described the agreement, saying, "It starts with the two of us and with the support that is always there from the US for free societies," adding, that an "alliance of freedom" was emerging in South America.
The accords outline coordination against "Iran's attempts to expand its terrorist networks and operational presence across the Western Hemisphere," while also promoting cooperation in innovation, trade, and technology. Milei called the initiative "a historic moment for our nations," adding that it would push toward "a freer and more prosperous hemisphere". "Israel is now a leading technological power, and Argentina has the human capital and regulatory freedom to become the world's next AI center," he added.
The visit also brought concrete announcements. Both sides confirmed that direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires are expected to begin by December, cutting travel time to around 15–16 hours.
Milei also reiterated his intention to move Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem - a politically sensitive decision that would make Argentina one of a handful of countries to do so. The move had earlier faced delays amid tensions over unrelated economic issues, but now appears back on track.
The Argentine leader's visit also carried symbolic gestures. He is set to become the first foreign leader to participate in Israel's Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony - a recognition Netanyahu described as "right and just".
Beyond symbolism, the alignment between the two leaders is clear. Milei has consistently backed Israel's positions, including its stance on Iran, which Argentina has also confronted over past terror attacks in Buenos Aires. His government recently expelled Iran's envoy after designating the Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation.
Diana George is Associate Editor at Times Now, with over a decade of experience covering national and international news, crime, and local politics. S...View More
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