Argentina President Javier To Visit Israel in the Coming Weeks

Argentina President Javier Milei declared his upcoming visit to Israel in the "coming weeks," marking one of his early international trips since assuming office as a libertarian economist last month, Reuters reports.

The announcement came during a Holocaust remembrance event in Buenos Aires, where President Milei expressed robust support for Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

He emphasized that Argentina would not remain silent in the face of what he termed as "Hamas terror."

Eleven Argentines remain hostages, held by Hamas since the group's violent actions in Israel on October 7.

President Javier Milei, addressing the audience, disclosed his plans for the trip to the Holy Land, describing it as a new chapter in the brotherhood between Argentina and Israel.

Buenos Aires, home to a significant Jewish community, has seen Argentina President Javier Milei express his intention to convert to Judaism before taking office in December.

International Context and Calls for Liberation

Argentina President Javier Milei's remarks came on the eve of International Holocaust Memorial Day and coincided with a ruling from The Hague's International Court of Justice, according to France 24.

The ruling emphasized Israel's obligation to prevent genocide in its retaliatory war with Hamas and urged the facilitation of aid into Gaza.

Javier Milei urged the liberation of the 11 Argentines among more than 100 hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas attack.

The self-described anarcho-capitalist, raised in a Catholic family, has openly spoken about his recent study of the Torah, the Jewish scripture.

His alignment with Jewish culture was evident when he visited the tomb of a revered rabbi in New York shortly after his election in November.

With a Jewish community of 250,000, one of the largest in Latin America, President Milei has positioned himself as a political ally of Israel.

He has hinted at the possibility of relocating Argentina's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a stance taken even before his election victory.

Notably, President Milei had previously criticized Pope Francis but seemingly reconciled after the pope congratulated him on his win.

His Israel visit may coincide with a trip to Rome, where he is set to attend a ceremony to canonize an Argentine nun. Reports suggest a meeting with Pope Francis on February 12 during his stay in Rome.

Austerity and Political Support

In line with his emphasis on austerity, Javier Milei plans to travel on a commercial flight for his Israel visit, departing Buenos Aires on February 5, Buenos Aires Times noted.

During his time in Israel, he intends to visit both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, demonstrating his unwavering political support for the Israeli government in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas.

While there's a desire to use a commercial flight, some in President Milei's inner circle have considered the use of a military plane due to the complex situation in the Middle East.

His visit to Rome includes a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has praised him as a fascinating personality.

Argentina President Javier Milei's confirmed schedule includes a visit to the Vatican on February 11, coinciding with the canonization ceremony of María Antonia Paz de Figueroa, also known as "Mama Antula," proclaimed as Argentina's first saint at St Peter's Basilica.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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