What’s happening:

Argentina’s President-elect Javier Milei has announced in his first interview since winning the election that he plans to relocate the Argentine embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This statement was made during an exclusive interview with a Chabad Hasidic newspaper.

Why it matters:

The move signifies a strong pro-Israel stance from the incoming Argentine administration and is a gesture that underscores Milei’s commitment to recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision aligns Argentina with a small number of countries that have made similar embassy moves, reflecting a shift in international policy towards Israel.

Between the lines:

Milei’s connection with the Jewish community and his study of Jewish texts have influenced his political views and policy decisions regarding Israel. His personal relationship with Rabbi Zvi Greenblatt, a Chabad emissary in Buenos Aires, and his admiration for the Jewish people’s history and resilience are reflective of his intention to foster closer ties between Argentina and Israel.

What he’s saying:

“I intend to keep my word. Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and moving our embassy there will symbolize this recognition. I am hopeful that many other countries will follow suit,” Milei stated, emphasizing his commitment to act on his pre-election promises.

Key background:

Milei has expressed a strong stance against hypocrisy in global leadership, especially regarding Israel’s right to defend itself. His intention to align Argentina more closely with the United States and Israel reflects a potential shift in South American foreign policy.

The big picture:

As Milei prepares to assume office, his actions and statements will be closely watched by international observers. The embassy move, if carried out, could have significant diplomatic repercussions and might influence other countries’ policies towards Israel.

What’s next:

With Milei’s inauguration approaching, the world awaits to see whether his administration will indeed follow through with the embassy relocation, and how this move will affect Argentina’s relations both in the region and globally.

This story was first published on ynetnews.