Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered diplomats to change Israel’s official position on sovereignty over the Falklands and join Argentina in calling for direct talks between Buenos Aires and London over the future of the islands, The Telegraph reported on Saturday. The change does not go so far as to formally endorse Argentina’s claim to the Falklands, but raises fears that Israel could do so if the UK imposes further sanctions on settlements in the West Bank, the report said. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon called for direct negotiations between the United Kingdom and Argentina at a UN session a few days ago. “Israel recognizes 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,” he said. While the language did not include formal support for Argentina’s claim to the Falklands, government sources told The Telegraph that it marked a significant change in Israel’s position and raises fears that Israel could go further later, especially if Netanyahu wins the election. upcoming elections. “The wording of the statement itself was approved at the highest levels of the Israeli government,” one source said. “This is the first time that Israel has become involved in this conflict.” However, Israeli embassy spokesman in the United Kingdom, Alex Gandler, denied that Netanyahu had issued any order to change Israel’s position. “There is no such directive,” he wrote on X/Twitter. Tensions rose when the UK consulate in Jerusalem was downgraded and most staff expelled. An Israeli official told The Telegraph that the UN intervention had also been taken in the context of “a changing policy of the British government towards Israel”, citing in particular “all the critical statements that the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have made in recent weeks, especially in relation to sanctions”. Ties between Israel and Argentina have been strong, and Argentine President Javier Milei has visited Israel several times, including to light a ceremonial torch on Israel’s Independence Day. Milei has expressed consistent support for Israel throughout the war following the October 7 massacre.
