President of Argentina Javier Gerardo Milei met this morning (Tuesday) with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
“We Stand Firmly with Israel”
President Milei addressed global criticism of Israel, stating:
“The friendship between our nations and peoples is a cornerstone of our government’s diplomacy. As a people, we choose to stand by you in these dark days. We will not yield to criticism rooted in cowardice or in direct complicity with barbarism.”
“The fight against terrorism is a shared objective of our nations, and we are fully and unequivocally committed to it,” Milei emphasized.
President Milei called for the release of all hostages, including the four Argentine-Israeli citizens still held in captivity—Eitan Horn, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, and Lior Rudaeff.
“By refusing to surrender to cowardly terror, Israel stands today as a beacon lighting the path of liberty and commitment to civilization. Argentina, a country with its own history of fighting for freedom, aspires to shine in the same direction,” said Milei.
“The future depends on our cooperation to spread light and drive out darkness. We insist on standing with the people of Israel,” he added.
“A Moral Duty – Not to Rest Until the Hostages Are Home”
President Herzog praised President Milei, saying:
“During your presidency, my friend President Milei, our relations have reached new heights and will continue to grow. You love Israel, and we love you.”
Herzog noted the new and important memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries concerning “the protection of freedom and democracy and the fight against terrorism and antisemitism”:
“The partnership between our countries—especially in the struggle against antisemitism and terrorism—is critical. This memorandum once again demonstrates that you are a courageous ally in this area as well. I am confident that in the coming year, as Argentina assumes the presidency of IHRA from Israel, your strong stance on this issue will be fully expressed.”
Herzog also emphasized the importance of working for the hostages’ release:
“It is a moral duty incumbent upon all humanity—not to rest, not to remain silent—until every hostage returns home.”
“No Political Progress Until the Hostages Are Freed”
Herzog called on the leadership of the free world to stand united and declare unequivocally that no political process will move forward until the hostages are released:
“Hamas and its supporters around the world—including state actors—see great success in sowing division between us and other nations, and between us and those who seek stability, peace, and quiet. A united front of this kind would be not only moral, but also effective—and could help lead to the hostages’ release.”
Finally, Herzog urged President Milei to stand together in determination and strength against the Iranian threat, terrorism, hatred, and antisemitism:
“Israel cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran. Our allies cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran. The entire world cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran. The State of Israel deeply appreciates your country’s declaration that Hezbollah and Hamas are terrorist organizations; and we are confident that this position also applies to the force behind these terror groups—the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
