Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his government to shift its official stance on the Falkland Islands dispute, signaling support for Argentina's claim to the territory. Israeli diplomats were instructed to endorse Buenos Aires’ call for direct negotiations with the United Kingdom regarding the islands' future and to acknowledge Argentina’s historical connection to the Falklands.

The change in Israel’s position follows the establishment of closer ties between Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei, alongside a recent diplomatic context in which the UK imposed economic sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This development also comes amid renewed Argentine efforts to assert its claim over the islands, a sensitive issue for British sovereignty.

Tensions around the Falklands have been heightened further by comments made in September by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested he might not support the UK in a future conflict over the islands. Argentina has also initiated legal proceedings aimed at halting exploration of oil and gas reserves north of the Falklands.

At a recent United Nations session, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, called for direct talks between the UK and Argentina to resolve the dispute. In his remarks, Danon acknowledged the significance of the issue to the Argentine public and their diplomatic efforts, emphasizing adherence to international law principles. While his speech stopped short of full endorsement of Argentina’s sovereignty claim, it reflected a clear shift in Israeli diplomatic posture.

Despite the new emphasis on dialogue with Argentina, Israeli officials have indicated that their country continues to maintain productive relations with the UK at a technical and operational level.

The UK Foreign Office was approached for comment on Israel’s altered position but has not released a statement.