Javier Milei Postpones Israel Visit Amid Domestic Unrest in Argentina
President Javier Milei postpones his Israel visit due to domestic unrest in Argentina, following violent protests and threats of jail for rioters. Despite this turmoil, Milei maintains a strong pro-Israel stance, having condemned attacks and declared mourning for Argentine-Israeli victims of Hamas, emphasizing his historical support for Israel.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei has postponed his upcoming visit to Israel, which was originally scheduled for next week. This delay was attributed to “internal occurrences in Argentina,” highlighting the pressing domestic challenges he faces. During this planned visit, Milei was expected to engage with senior Israeli officials and deliver remarks in the Knesset, emphasizing the significance of the official diplomatic engagement.
Recent events in Argentina have been marked by unrest, primarily fueled by protests from factions aligned with the far-left. Reports indicate that a violent uprising occurred last week, prompting Milei to respond decisively, including proposing jail time for those inciting riots. Notably, clashes with police resulted in 124 arrests and numerous injuries, following a protest led by pensioners.
In response to the turmoil, Milei has made his stance clear regarding public order, stating, “The good ones are the ones in blue [the police] and the sons of bitches who go around with rags on their faces and break cars, burn cars and threaten people.” This declaration was made during his speech at the Expoagro agricultural event, illustrating his commitment to restoring order amidst the protests.
Despite the ongoing turmoil at home, Milei’s support for Israel remains unwavering, as demonstrated by his response to the deaths of dual Argentine-Israeli citizens murdered by Hamas. He declared national days of mourning following the return of their bodies. Moreover, Milei has strongly condemned the October 7 attacks, reinforcing his historical support for Israel. He emphasized in a December 2024 letter, “Silence is complicity, and it compels us to condemn the brutal and cowardly terrorist attack of October 7.”
In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s postponed visit to Israel reflects the significant internal challenges faced by his administration. Amidst violent protests and calls for public order, he has reaffirmed his stance against unrest while simultaneously expressing strong support for Israel. His commitment to condemning violence and mourning those lost to terrorism underscores his dedication to international alliances, even as domestic situations demand his attention.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
