Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to officially recognize Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, amid growing tensions following the United Kingdom’s decision to implement trade restrictions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK announced on Tuesday that it would proceed with a ban affecting trade involving settlement products, joining ten other countries taking similar measures.
Ben-Gvir, in a Spanish-language social media post that also addressed Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Netanyahu, described the British presence in the Falklands as an occupation. He accused the UK of “violently” taking the islands from Argentina and engaging in oil drilling activities that divert revenue from the Argentine people. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to recognize Argentine sovereignty over the islands and to impose sanctions on the UK while the occupation continues.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich similarly responded to the UK’s planned ban by calling for the expulsion of the British ambassador to Israel. Smotrich criticized Britain’s government, accusing it of antisemitism and suggesting that its policies are influenced by socio-political challenges within the UK. He also referenced the historical British Mandate over Palestine, declaring it “over.”
The UK government maintains that the Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory, with sovereignty based on the principle of self-determination. The islands, located roughly 500 kilometers east of Argentina, were the site of a 1982 conflict when Argentine forces invaded, resulting in over 900 deaths. In a 2013 referendum, the islanders overwhelmingly voted to remain under British governance.
Britain’s Foreign Office anticipates a strong reaction from Israel to its trade sanctions, with officials concerned about the timing of the move ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has indicated that countermeasures are likely but has provided few details. Reports suggest that Israel is considering expelling British officials from an international command center in Kiryat Gat that monitors the cease-fire in Gaza, a decision that could complicate coordination efforts given Britain’s significant delegation at the center.
In parallel, Argentina announced plans to file criminal charges against Israeli energy company Navitas Petroleum and its executives for their involvement in hydrocarbon exploration in the Falkland Islands. The Argentine government, led by President Milei and Foreign Minister Pablo Quiñó, alleges that Navitas and its partners hold licenses granted by the UK that violate Argentine sovereignty. The accusations concern the Sea Lion offshore oil project, which Navitas, holding a 65 percent stake, operates alongside London-listed Rockhopper.
Navitas has yet to comment on the charges, but the companies involved assert they possess valid licenses from the Falkland Islands’ local authorities and anticipate no significant impact from Argentina’s claims. The project, supported by both UK authorities and key Israeli stakeholders, is expected to begin oil production at a rate of 50,000 barrels per day by 2028.
The diplomatic and commercial disputes underline the complex intersections of Israel’s domestic politics, international alliances, and regional conflicts involving both the Israeli-Palestinian issue and the sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.