Milei shows support for Israel with third visit to Tel Aviv amid war with Iran

President Javier Milei said that Iran is “an enemy to the West” and backed Israel ahead of a new trip to Tel Aviv, amid the ongoing armed conflict between the two countries. Milei, who already visited Israel twice before as President, will fly on Saturday and arrive on Sunday to take part in the celebrations of that country’s independence day, which will be carried out between April 19-22. There, he will become the first foreign president to light a torch as part of the celebrations. President Isaac Herzog will also award him the Presidential Medal of Honor, a recognition for those who make an exceptional contribution to Israel or humanity during a meeting between the two on Monday. Milei will be awarded the medal “in recognition of his consistent and outspoken commitment to the State of Israel since assuming office in 2023,” said a statement from the Israeli government. “President Milei represents bold leadership and pursues a clear and unequivocal policy of standing with the State of Israel, as an ardent Zionist, through thick and thin,” Herzog said in a statement announcing the decision. In an interview with Israeli Channel 14 aired on Wednesday, Milei said he felt “truly emotional” about the recognition. “I defend Israel’s cause, the cause of the Jewish people, because it is a fair cause,” he stated, adding that he does so “without political speculation,” but rather because he “feels” it is right. Meeting with Netanyahu During his visit, Milei will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the fourth time on Sunday.  Some observers speculate that the libertarian leader could also move forward with his promise to transfer the Argentine embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a territory that is under dispute with Palestine. “Tel Aviv may be the political capital, but Jerusalem is the spiritual capital,” Milei said during the interview, adding that he has decided to move the embassy, although its implementation now depends on how the transfer can be carried out.  He also dismissed potential geopolitical repercussions stemming from the war with Palestine, saying that if what he is doing “is fair,” he does not care what others say. Milei once again expressed affection for Netanyahu, describing him as “a friend” and saying he admires him. “Israel and the entire Western world should be thankful that he is Israel’s prime minister. He is a great human being and fully understands what is at stake.” He also praised United States President Donald Trump, saying people should “thank the Creator” for having leaders such as him and Netanyahu, who have “decided to put an end to this scourge of humanity,” referring to Iran. “An enemy of Argentina” The Argentine president reaffirmed that, in his view, “Iran is an enemy of Argentina” because of the alleged involvement of its government in the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish community center.  “Besides the danger its nuclear capabilities represent, Iran exports terrorism to the whole world, and funds it. It is evident that it is not only an enemy of Israel, but of the entire West.” Milei added that Israel “can live with its neighbors” and has “no coexistence issues,” adding that Iran, on the other hand, “wants Israel to be exterminated.” He did not mention the war on Gaza. The president’s statements come after Israel and the U.S. negotiated a ceasefire with Iran in order for the Strait of Hormuz to become operational again.