… exchanges messages with Milei

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has expressed support for Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, exchanging friendly messages with Argentine President, Javier Milei, during a meeting with the country’s ambassador to Israel.

According to a statement on X by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu received Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel, Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, at his office, where he wished the Argentine national team success in Sunday’s World Cup final.

During the meeting, Ambassador Wahnish presented Netanyahu with an audio message from President Javier Milei, who thanked the Israeli leader for supporting Argentina.

“You are my friend, always supporting us. I was happy to hear that you are rooting for Argentina because of me,” Milei said in the recorded message.

Netanyahu responded by reaffirming his support for both Milei and Argentina.

“Javier, you are a friend. A true friend. You are a great friend; we support you, we support Argentina in so many ways, including tomorrow. Good luck!” Netanyahu said.

Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final after defeating England 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Spain secured a 2-0 victory over France to reach the championship match.

The exchange reflects the close relationship that has developed between Netanyahu and Milei since the Argentine president took office.

Milei has repeatedly expressed strong support for Israel, particularly following the October 2023 Hamas attack, and has pledged to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

Earlier this year, Milei reaffirmed his commitment to relocating Argentina’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that has been welcomed by the Israeli government.

Sunday’s World Cup final presents Argentina with an opportunity to retain the title it won in Qatar in 2022, while Spain will be aiming to claim its second FIFA World Cup crown after its triumph in South Africa in 2010.