Netanyahu switches Israel's position to favor Argentina in dispute over Falklands - report

The change does not go so far as to formally back Argentina's claim over the Falklands, but raises fears that Israel could do so if the United Kingdom imposes further sanctions on settlements.

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 for the islands' future, The Telegraph reported on Saturday.  

The change does not go so far as to formally back Argentina's claim over the Falklands, but raises fears that Israel could do so if the United Kingdom imposes further sanctions on West Bank settlements, according to the report. 

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Dannon called for direct negotiations between the UK and Argentina during a UN session some 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 over the Falklands, government sources told The Telegraph that it constituted a significant shift in Israel's position and raises fears that Israel could later go further, especially if Netanyahu wins the upcoming election. 

“The wording of the statement itself got approved at the highest ranks of the Israeli government,” one source said. “This is the first time Israel has got involved in this conflict.”

Tensions rise between UK, Israel as Argentine ties remain strong

This comes a month after UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband imposed economic sanctions on West Bank settlements, accusing Israel of "ethnic cleansing." 

Tensions rose as the UK consulate in Jerusalem was downgraded, and most of the staff was expelled.

An Israeli official told The Telegraph that the UN intervention had also been taken in the context of “a changing policy from the British government towards Israel”, citing in particular “all the critical statements that the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary said in the last few weeks, especially regarding sanctions”.

Ties between Israel and Argentina have been strong, with Argentine President Javier Milei having visited Israel multiple 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.

Israeli embassy denies claim

Israel's embassy spokesperson in the UK, Alex Gandler, denied that Netanyahu had issued any order to shift Israel's position.