Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei on Sunday announced a series of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, including the launch of a new strategic framework known as the ‘Isaac Accords,’ the signing of multiple agreements, and the establishment of a direct flight route between Israel and Argentina.
The announcements were made during President Milei’s visit to Jerusalem, in the presence of senior Israeli officials, including US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
The Isaac Accords are described as a strategic framework intended to enhance cooperation between Israel, Argentina, and additional nations across South, Central, and North America that share “common values of defending freedom, democracy, and the struggle against terrorism, antisemitism, and drug trafficking." The initiative will promote coordination against terrorist organizations, with a particular emphasis on Iran’s efforts to expand its presence in the Western Hemisphere.
During the event, a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. These included an agreement on counter-terrorism cooperation between the countries’ foreign ministries, an MOU on cooperation in artificial intelligence aimed at sharing knowledge, experience, and infrastructure, and an amended aviation protocol to facilitate expanded air services, including provisions for multiple carriers, tariff regulation, and enforcement mechanisms.
Alongside the diplomatic and strategic developments, the leaders confirmed the opening of a direct, scheduled air route between Israel and Argentina, marking the first time such a connection will be established.
In a joint announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Transport, the move was described as part of a broader policy “to bolster and expand Israel’s air links with global markets." The initiative is intended to deepen economic ties, facilitate business activity and international cooperation, and expand trade and investment between Israel and Latin American countries. It is also expected to improve transport accessibility, encourage inbound and outbound tourism, and make distant destinations more accessible to the Israeli public.
The route will be operated by El Al and includes a support mechanism designed to ensure economic viability and the establishment of regular service over time.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, “Direct flights between Israel and Argentina will make the friendship between our countries even closer. Together with my friend, President Milei, we are expanding cooperation in economy, technology, security, and now also in aviation and tourism through a direct and fast connection." He added, “We will continue to connect Israel to the world - and the world to Israel."
Netanyahu also addressed President Milei directly during the event, emphasizing both personal and diplomatic ties. “This is the third visit of my friend, my chaver, Javier, in Jerusalem," he said. He described Milei as “not merely a personal friend and someone who I deeply admire as a great leader, a great economic leader and a great world leader."
Highlighting a historic element of the visit, Netanyahu noted, “This is the first time in Israel’s history, in 78 years, that we award a foreign leader with the honor of lighting a torch on our Independence Day. It’s never happened before, and it’s right and just that it happens now with Javier Milei."
He further praised Argentina’s stance under Milei’s leadership, stating that the country “has spoken with moral clarity," which he described as “the foundation of leadership."
During his remarks, Netanyahu also addressed the war against Iran, saying, “We have been engaged with the United States in a battle against the great tyranny of Iran, which terrorizes the world. It seeks our destruction and seeks to bring down Western civilization as we know it."
The Prime Minister added, “We have achieved enormous things. It's not over yet, and any moment could bring us new developments."
Referring to the timing of President Milei’s previous visit to Israel, Netanyahu said, “Javier Milei has that quality, every time he visits Israel, it's right before something very big happens." He added humorously, “No, I didn't tell him last time. I don't know what I can tell him now because who knows what tomorrow or the day after tomorrow will bring."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the initiative is “part of a broader effort to strengthen Israel’s economic and strategic connections with international markets," adding that “in the current period, it is especially important to deepen ties with friendly nations and create infrastructure that will support growth, trade, and passenger traffic."
Transport Minister Miri Regev described the route as “a strategic move that strengthens Israel’s connection to the world and expands our aviation map to new continents." She said, “In these challenging times, when maintaining open skies is a national mission, we continue to act decisively in creating transportation continuity, making new destinations accessible to Israeli citizens, and strengthening the economy, tourism, and international relations." She added that efforts would continue “to open more and more routes, bolster competition, and ensure accessible, safe, and advanced aviation for the Israeli public."
Chairman of the Board of El Al, Amikam Ben Zvi, called the development “a historic and momentous route which reflects our commitment to expanding Israel’s connection to the world." He added, “We are proud to continue building the aviation infrastructure that links Israel to the world, and to ensure that the Israeli flag keeps flying proudly in remote destinations as well."