Argentine President Javier Milei left Israel shortly before the nation launched a major strike on Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure Thursday night, avoiding any direct proximity to the military operation. Multiple sources confirmed his departure, putting to rest speculation about his whereabouts during Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion.”
Milei concluded his three-day visit to Israel on Thursday, part of a broader international tour that included stops in Italy, the Vatican, France, and Spain. He traveled to Madrid following his visit to Jerusalem, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prayed at the Western Wall. Just before departing, he signed a strategic agreement on combating terrorism and anti-Semitism.
The “Defense of Liberty and Democracy Against Terrorism and Anti-Semitism” memorandum establishes a foundation for unprecedented cooperation between Argentina and Israel. The agreement covers areas including counter-terrorism, cybercrime, fast-track customs lanes, and water technology projects. Argentine Ambassador Axel Wahnish called the pact a milestone and indicated it may eventually expand to include other allies such as Paraguay and Ecuador.
Following the announcement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revealed that administrative steps have been completed to launch direct flights between Buenos Aires and Tel Aviv, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Milei, a vocal supporter of Israel, used the occasion to highlight the threats facing the Jewish state. In a Friday speech in Spain, he condemned Iran’s refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, saying, “Israel has neighbors who want to kill you,” while noting that Israel, in contrast, respects the sovereignty of other nations.
In anticipation of possible threats linked to Milei’s alignment with Israel and U.S. interests, Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich ordered security reinforcements around the Israeli Embassy and Jewish institutions in Buenos Aires, including the AMIA building—site of the 1994 terrorist attack by Iran-backed Hezbollah that killed 85 people.
Officials from Argentine intelligence confirmed active coordination with Israeli and U.S. counterparts. Given Argentina’s realigned pro-Western stance under Milei, national security services remain alert to potential retaliatory threats.
Milei’s administration has reversed two decades of leftist foreign policy, distancing Argentina from regimes such as Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela. His realignment with the U.S. and Israel reflects a commitment to Western democratic principles and a firm stance against global terrorism.
