President Javier Milei will travel to Israel on March 23 for his second visit since December, with hopes of signing a security collaboration agreement. Accompanied by key officials, he aims to strengthen ties and combat terrorism. Amidst commitments to security initiatives, the President reflects on the impacts of recent tragic events involving Israeli-Argentine citizens.
President Javier Milei is set to embark on his second visit to Israel at the end of March, aiming to formalize a security and defense collaboration agreement. His departure from Buenos Aires is scheduled for March 23, as announced by Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Axel Wahnish. This follows Milei’s initial visit in February 2024, which featured a significant meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a poignant moment at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem that brought the President to tears.
Accompanying President Milei on this trip will be his sister, Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, and Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein. Potential discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu are anticipated. Furthermore, President Milei has received an invitation to deliver a speech at the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, reflecting his strong support for the state of Israel and the ongoing relationship between the two nations.
Argentina aims to sign a “Memorandum of Freedom and Democracy” to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, building on the strengthened ties developed since Milei’s presidency began in December 2023. Wahnish expressed a strong commitment to advancing collaborative projects focusing on innovation, technology, defense, and security, emphasizing the enthusiasm within both governments.
During a recent state of the nation address, President Milei underscored his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism and outlined plans for new national security measures. He stated, “We are working on a national security law that provides tools to the national state, to our intelligence service and to our forces to pursue those who want to threaten the lives of Argentines,” revealing a proactive approach to national safety.
Last week, following the tragic death of Israeli-Argentine children Ariel and Kfir Bibas, President Milei proclaimed two days of mourning. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Milei for his steadfast integrity and leadership, suggesting that these actions could serve as a model for global leaders.
Throughout his first year, Milei has promised to relocate Argentina’s Embassy to Jerusalem, mirroring actions previously taken by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018. Although this commitment remains unfulfilled, Ambassador Wahnish has initiated his diplomatic residence in Jerusalem, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s upcoming visit to Israel will be pivotal in enhancing Argentina’s security and defense cooperation with the state of Israel. The proposed agreements and strategic discussions reflect the deepening bond between the nations, supported by both leaders’ commitments against terrorism. Milei’s firm stance on national security and his promise to relocate the embassy continue to shape Argentina’s foreign policy toward Israel.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
