Netanyahu supports Argentina’s claim over Falkland Islands | World | News
Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked outrage in Westminster after ordering Israeli diplomats to throw their weight behind Argentina over the Falkland Islands. The Israeli PM instructed envoys to align with Buenos Aires by demanding direct bilateral negotiations on the archipelago’s sovereignty, while officially acknowledging Argentina’s “historical connection” to the British territory, according to the Telegraph. The bombshell move follows tensions with the Whitehall, triggered last month when the Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, slapped economic sanctions on West Bank settlements and accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing”.
That decision sparked immediate fury in Jerusalem, leading to Britain’s consulate being downgraded and senior British staff expelled on October 8. Now, the row has blown wide open into the South Atlantic.
The move comes at a sensitive time for British sovereignty over the islands. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who maintains close ties with Mr Netanyahu, has launched a renewed diplomatic push to press Buenos Aires’ claims, following remarks by Donald Trump in September suggesting the US might not back the UK in any future conflict.
Argentina has also mounted legal challenges seeking to halt offshore oil and gas exploration north of the Falklands. Addressing a United Nations session last week, Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, called for direct negotiations between London and Buenos Aires over the territory’s future.
Mr Danon told delegates: “Israel recognises 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.” “Progress on this matter must be achieved while taking into consideration the full spectrum of relevant historical, legal and human aspects,” Mr Danon added.
While the position falls short of a formal endorsement of Argentina’s claim, it has caused concern in Whitehall. Israeli sources confirmed the statement was approved at senior levels in Jerusalem and reflected growing frustration over the British Government’s rhetoric and sanctions policy.
The UK responded swiftly on the UN floor, with British representative Kate Foster rejecting any talks without the consent of the islanders, who have consistently voted to remain British: “The United Kingdom has no doubt over its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. There can be no dialogue on sovereignty without the consent of the islanders.”
Relations between London and Jerusalem also took a hit when the UK recognised Palestinian statehood last year. This was compounded by September’s sanctions. There are growing concerns that diplomatic ties could fray further if Mr Netanyahu secures another term in next week’s Israeli general election.
Figures in the US and Israel have also used Britain’s refusal to join strikes on Iran. Marc Zell, head of Republicans Overseas Israel, called the UK’s decision a “dastardly betrayal” and urged Washington to rethink its stance on the Falklands.
Despite the political fallout, officials insist that practical intelligence and security cooperation between the two nations remains strong behind the scenes. A spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in London denied that a policy change had taken place, stating: “I categorically deny this allegation. No such directive exists.”
