Argentina’s president Javier Milei and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a new framework of bilateral cooperation in Jerusalem, known as the Isaac Accords, an initiative designed to deepen ties between the two countries and potentially expand to other Latin American nations.
The agreement was formalized during Milei’s third official visit to Israel since taking office. He traveled with senior officials including Karina Milei, Secretary General of the Presidency; Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno; and Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques. The day included a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference.
What the Isaac Accords Aim to Achieve
The Isaac Accords are conceived as a regional political initiative inspired by the Abraham Accords, the 2020 agreements between Israel and several Arab states. According to Milei, the goal is to strengthen diplomatic, commercial, cultural, and security cooperation between Israel, Argentina, and other Latin American countries that share “values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”
During the ceremony, Milei argued that parts of Latin America had been “dragged into decline” by certain governments and said the new framework seeks to reverse that trend with support from the United States. Netanyahu described the Isaac Accords as a natural extension of the Abraham Accords and emphasized that the initiative is open to countries in Central and North America, as well as nations rooted in Judeo‑Christian traditions.
Bilateral Agreements Signed Alongside the Isaac Accords
In addition to launching the new framework, both governments signed several cooperation agreements in key areas:
1. Direct Buenos Aires–Tel Aviv Flight Starting in November 2026, El Al will operate the first direct route between the two cities. Milei described the new connection as a “moral, spiritual, and political bridge” between the nations.
2. Artificial Intelligence Cooperation A memorandum of understanding was signed to promote joint development of AI models, training programs, and applications for productive sectors. Milei said Argentina aims to become a future global hub for artificial intelligence.
3. Counterterrorism Collaboration Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism, with particular attention to Iran’s activities and networks in the Western Hemisphere.
4. Credit Line for Israeli Companies Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced a $150 million credit line to support Israeli companies operating in Argentina.
Embassy Relocation to Jerusalem
Milei reiterated his intention to move Argentina’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, stating that the decision will be implemented “when conditions allow.” He described the move as “necessary and, above all, fair.” Earlier in the day, he visited the Western Wall wearing a kippah embroidered with his name in Hebrew and prayed for peace in both countries.
Support from the United States
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, attended the event and praised the leadership of both Netanyahu and Milei. He said the Isaac Accords represent “an extraordinary opportunity” to expand cooperation between Israel, Argentina, and other nations, and reaffirmed U.S. support for initiatives aligned with shared values.
Context and Significance
Milei’s visit comes at a moment of heightened tension in the Middle East and further consolidates Argentina’s strategic alignment with Israel and the United States. He referenced the attacks on the AMIA Jewish community center and the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires—both attributed by Argentine courts to Iran—and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to counterterrorism and to seeking justice for the victims.
He closed his remarks with a call for unity, saying that “now more than ever, we must remain united as sister nations.”
