Argentina says it will file criminal charges against energy company in Falklands row

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Argentina has announced it will file criminal charges against Israeli energy company Navitas Petroleum and its executives for their oil drilling operations in the Falkland Islands, citing violations of Argentine law. This move intensifies the long-standing sovereignty dispute with the UK and signals Argentina's intent to enforce sanctions against companies involved in resource extraction in the contested territory.

Argentina announced on Monday that it will file criminal charges against the Israeli energy company Navitas Petroleum and its executives for their operations in the Falkland Islands. The decision follows statements made by Argentine President Javier Milei last week in which he vowed to sanction oil companies involved in drilling activities within the British overseas territory.

The Argentine presidency issued a statement indicating that Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno will submit a criminal complaint targeting several Navitas subsidiaries and partners working in the Falklands, along with their corporate directors. The government alleges that these firms are in violation of Argentine law by possessing hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation licenses granted by the United Kingdom for areas in the North Falkland Basin.

Navitas Petroleum, a company listed in Tel Aviv, operates the Sea Lion offshore oil project in the Falkland Islands and holds a 65% stake in the field. The Sea Lion project was specifically mentioned by President Milei during his recent address announcing sanctions aimed at companies participating in oil and gas activities in the territory. Measures proposed include penalties that could extend beyond operators to shareholders, directors, and suppliers.

According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group, Gideon Tadmor, a prominent figure in Israel’s energy sector and Navitas Petroleum’s chairman, owns approximately 9% of the company’s shares.

President Milei also asserted in a televised address that “winds of change” favoring Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands are sweeping globally, referencing earlier comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, have long been subject to sovereignty disputes between Argentina and the United Kingdom, with both sides maintaining competing claims.

Navitas Petroleum did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the criminal charges or Argentina’s announcements. The Argentine government’s move to pursue criminal proceedings marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions surrounding resource exploitation in the disputed region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.