From Lithium to Drinking Water, Israel’s Influence Stirs Controversy in Milei’s Argentina.
In April, Argentine President Javier Milei made history as the first foreign head of state to participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony. “Argentina and Israel are not merely partners; they are friendly nations,” Milei said at the event, where he reiterated a pledge to move Argentina’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
As Israel faces international backlash over its brutal military campaign in Gaza and its ongoing, de facto annexation of the West Bank, Milei’s chummy appearance beside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored a very different reality playing out in Argentina. Since his rise to power, the South American country has become one of Israel’s most outspoken allies. At the same time, Israeli companies have expanded their footprint in strategic sectors like the critical minerals that power artificial intelligence and the energy transition.
