From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Argentina’s new president arrives in Israel, reiterates pledge to move embassy to Jerusalem
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomes Argentinian President Javier Milei upon his arrival to Israel at Ben Gurion Airport. Milei, who assumed office in December, reiterates his pledge to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem.
Katz thanks Milei, who made Israel his first bilateral overseas destination as president, for his support for Israel against Hamas and for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“You are a person of values who is committed only to the truth,” Katz tells Milei, speaking through a translator, “and it is no wonder that you chose to come to Israel right away to support us in the just struggle for the defense of the Jewish people against the murderers of Hamas.”
Milei will visit the Western Wall and meet President Isaac Herzog later today, and is slated to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tomorrow.
He brought Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino and his personal Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish along with him on the three-day trip. Wahnish is expected to become Argentina’s ambassador to Israel. While Milei is not Jewish, he has expressed an interest in Judaism and has talked about potentially converting to the religion.
Milei heads for Italy and the Vatican on Thursday, where he will meet with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
