Argentine President Javier Milei announces embassy relocation to Jerusalem

JERUSALEM — Argentine President Javier Milei announced plans to relocate Argentina’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, placing his nation among a select group of countries that have made the controversial move despite widespread international objections.

Speaking before Israel’s Knesset during his second official visit, Milei confirmed that the relocation is scheduled for 2026.

Currently, most nations maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv to avoid taking sides on the contested status of Jerusalem, a key issue in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Argentina will join countries such as the United States, Paraguay, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea, which have established embassies in Jerusalem.

The debate over Jerusalem’s status reignited in December 2017, when then-US President Donald Trump officially recognized the city as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of international policy. The move drew widespread condemnation and provoked strong reactions from Palestinians and the global community.

Argentina’s decision underscores a shift in its foreign policy and signals Milei’s alignment with nations supporting Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The move is expected to generate both domestic and international debate in the lead-up to its implementation.