Israel denies report Netanyahu ordered Falklands policy shift
The Telegraph says Netanyahu directed diplomats to back UK-Argentina talks following British settlement sanctions; Israeli spokesman says “no such directive exists”
Israel denied a report on Saturday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered diplomats to back Argentina’s calls for talks over the Falkland Islands in retaliation for British sanctions on West Bank settlements.
“I categorically deny this allegation. No such directive exists,” Alex Gandler, spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in Britain, wrote on X in response to The Telegraph’s report.
https://x.com/i/web/status/2113903369769148754
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The newspaper reported that Netanyahu instructed diplomats to support direct negotiations between Britain and Argentina over the islands’ future. The reported move stopped short of formally endorsing Argentine sovereignty over the British-controlled South Atlantic territory.
The Telegraph pointed to remarks by Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, who called for direct negotiations at a UN session last week. Danon acknowledged the importance Argentines attach to the issue and said progress should account for the relevant historical, legal and human considerations, according to the newspaper.
Government sources cited by The Telegraph linked the intervention to Israel’s close relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei and deteriorating ties with London. Britain’s sanctions on West Bank settlements last month prompted Israeli measures against the British consulate in Jerusalem, including the expulsion of most of its staff, the newspaper reported.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had publicly urged Netanyahu last month to recognize Argentine sovereignty over the Falklands and impose sanctions on Britain. His demand followed the announcement of the British settlement sanctions.
Britain maintains that sovereignty cannot be discussed without the islanders’ consent. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of those voting chose to remain a British overseas territory. Britain and Argentina fought a war over the islands in 1982 after Argentine forces invaded.