Netanyahu Reportedly Shifts Israel’s Falklands Position as Diplomatic Tensions With Britain Escalate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly instructed diplomats to support calls for direct negotiations between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the future of the Falkland Islands, according to The Telegraph.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, called for direct talks between the two countries during a recent UN session.

In his remarks, Danon said Israel recognised the importance of the issue to the Argentine public and acknowledged Argentina’s continued efforts to pursue it through diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law.

The reported change does not amount to formal Israeli recognition of Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Falklands. However, sources cited by The Telegraph described the statement as a significant departure from Israel’s previous position.

Report Raises Questions About Israel’s Future Position

According to The Telegraph, government sources said the wording of Danon’s statement had been approved at the highest levels of the Israeli government.

One source said it marked the first time Israel had become directly involved in the dispute over the islands.

The report also raised concerns that Israel could move towards greater support for Argentina’s claim if relations with the United Kingdom deteriorate further, particularly over British measures against Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

However, Israel has not formally endorsed Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Falklands.

Dispute Follows British Sanctions on West Bank Settlements

The reported diplomatic shift comes amid increased tensions between London and Jerusalem following British economic sanctions against West Bank settlements.

The measures were imposed by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband approximately a month before the reported Israeli intervention at the United Nations. Miliband accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” in connection with the situation in the occupied West Bank.

Relations subsequently deteriorated further, with the UK consulate in Jerusalem downgraded and most of its staff expelled, according to the report.

An Israeli official told The Telegraph that Danon’s remarks reflected what Israel viewed as a change in British government policy towards the country.

The official specifically cited recent critical statements by the British prime minister and foreign secretary, particularly those concerning sanctions.

Israel and Argentina Maintain Close Relations

Israel has maintained strong ties with Argentina under President Javier Milei, who has visited Israel several times, including for a ceremonial torch-lighting event marking Israeli Independence Day.

Milei has consistently expressed support for Israel during the war that followed the October 7 attacks.

The relationship between the two countries provides additional diplomatic context for Israel’s reported call for direct negotiations between Buenos Aires and London over the Falklands.

Israeli Embassy Denies Netanyahu Issued Directive

Israel’s embassy in the United Kingdom rejected the claim that Netanyahu had ordered a change in the country’s position on the Falklands.

Embassy spokesperson Alex Gandler denied the existence of such an instruction in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“No such directive exists,” Gandler wrote.

The denial followed reports that the Israeli government had approved Danon’s statement calling for direct negotiations between Argentina and the United Kingdom.