Israel Moves Closer to Argentina on Falklands After UK Settlement Sanctions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a change in Israel's position on the Falkland Islands, directing diplomats to support Argentina's demand for negotiations with Britain over the disputed territory, according to The Telegraph.

The decision follows a deterioration in relations between Israel and Britain over British sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Although Israel has stopped short of formally endorsing Argentina's sovereignty claim, its intervention marks a departure from its previous position on the dispute.

Israel Changes Position at UN

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, outlined the new approach during a meeting last week, calling for direct negotiations between London and Buenos Aires over the islands' future.

"Israel recognises 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," Danon said.

Israeli government sources described the intervention as a significant diplomatic shift, with the wording approved at senior levels of Netanyahu's administration.

"The wording of the statement itself got approved at the highest ranks of the Israeli government," one source told The Telegraph.

The move brings Israel closer to the position of Argentine President Javier Milei, who has developed close ties with Netanyahu and has been a prominent supporter of Israel during the Gaza war.

British Measures Behind Diplomatic Rift

The change comes after British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband introduced economic sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank in September.

The measures triggered a dispute between the two governments, with Israel subsequently downgrading Britain's consulate in Jerusalem and expelling most of its staff.

An Israeli official linked the Falklands intervention to Britain's increasingly critical position towards Israel, particularly recent statements by British leaders and the imposition of sanctions.

Britain's recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2025 had already intensified tensions between the governments.

Israeli officials also cited relations with Argentina as a factor behind the decision, reflecting the closer political relationship between Netanyahu and Milei.

Britain Rejects Sovereignty Talks Without Islanders

Britain maintains that sovereignty over the Falklands is not subject to negotiations without the consent of the islanders, who have repeatedly expressed their preference to remain under British administration.

Milei argues that the islanders are an "implanted population in a usurped territory" and have no legitimate right to self-determination, dismissing referendums held on the islands as invalid.

Argentina has intensified its diplomatic efforts over the territory and initiated legal proceedings seeking to prevent oil and gas exploration north of the islands.

British officials suspect Milei is seeking to use Israel's relationship with Washington to advance Argentina's position.

Security and Economic Ties Remain

Despite the shift, Israel has not formally recognized Argentina's sovereignty claim, leaving open the extent to which Netanyahu may pursue the issue.

Further British sanctions against West Bank settlements could deepen the diplomatic dispute, although Israeli officials emphasized that cooperation between the two countries continues in other areas.

Israel and Britain maintain security and intelligence ties, while Israeli companies are involved alongside British firms in the Sea Lion oilfield project near the Falklands.