January 12, 2026 | 07:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Argentina has suspended its plan to relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. This follows recent tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei, as reported by Israel's Channel 12 on Saturday, as cited by Anadolu on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The embassy was previously scheduled to open during Independence Day 2026.
According to Channel 12, cited by Times of Israel, the tension is linked to the plans of the Israeli company, Navitas Petroleum, to start offshore oil drilling near the Falkland Islands, with operations projected to commence in 2028.
The Falkland Islands are administered by the UK as an overseas territory. However, Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, which it refers to as the Islas Malvinas.
In December, Argentina criticized Israel-owned Navitas and UK-based Rockhopper Exploration after the companies announced what Buenos Aires described as an illegal offshore oil project worth around US$2.1 billion near the islands.
Argentina stated that the project did not have its approval and therefore was a unilateral decision by the UK.
Rockhopper has been banned from operating in Argentina since 2013 when its activities were criminalized, while Navitas was also banned in 2022 for drilling without permission.
A 1976 UN resolution states that both Argentina and the UK should refrain from taking unilateral actions on the territory while sovereignty negotiations are underway.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has sought to convince Argentine officials that Israel is not involved in Navitas operations and does not control the publicly traded company, as reported by Channel 12.
Despite the efforts, the television station quoted sources close to Milei who said that the dispute had effectively halted the embassy relocation and could also damage bilateral relations.
Israel's Foreign Ministry previously described Argentina as one of its closest allies under Milei and said that the two countries maintain close and ongoing contacts.
Milei first announced the plan to relocate the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem during his visit to Israel in February 2024 and reaffirmed in November that the new mission would be inaugurated in the spring.
Israel has been trying to persuade governments to move their missions from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. If Argentina proceeds with the plan, it will become the ninth country to do so, joining the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Fiji, Samoa, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea.
Patagonia Fires
Meanwhile, wildfires have swept through Patagonia, burning over 15,000 hectares since last week. Former Argentine Army Vice Chief along with key opposition figures have accused Israel of being behind the disaster.
Former Argentine Army Vice Chief Cesar Milani, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, stated that two Israeli citizens used IDF grenades to cause the wildfires in the southern Patagonia region of Argentina.
Milani blamed "a foreign State, pointed out by the locals themselves as responsible," accompanied by a photo of Argentine President Javier Milei waving an Israeli flag.
Opposition figure Luis D'Elia wrote, "The 'Israelis' are going around burning Patagonia. Listen to this kid." Israel accuses D'Elia of being a liaison between Iran and the Argentine government, providing legal immunity to Iranian politicians accused of the 1994 AMIA bombing.
Allegations of Israel's involvement in the wildfires that have swept through the Patagonia region started on Saturday, when radio host Marcela Feudale stated during a live broadcast that there were reports of two Israelis causing the wildfires.
President Milei slammed Feudale, saying that she is part of the "the dark side of Argentina," and added, "I don't think it was a coincidence. They use Israel and the Jews to attack the government, and it got completely out of hand."
Read: US to Remove Some Tariffs from Argentina, Ecuador
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
US to Remove Some Tariffs from Argentina, Ecuador
59 hari lalu
The removal of US tariffs is intended to reduce the price of bananas, coffee, and other food products from the region.
Lionel Messi Remains Undecided Over a 2026 World Cup Return
28 Oktober 2025
Lionel Messi is weighing physical and mental factors before representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. He aims to defend the title.
Moroccan U-20 National Team Makes History by Winning 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup
20 Oktober 2025
The Moroccan U-20 national team made history by winning the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final held in Chile.
Argentina's President Pelted with Stones Amid Public Anger Over Bribery Scandal
28 Agustus 2025
Argentinians are angry with President Javier Milei because of a bribery scandal involving his younger sister.
Vietnam Disqualified, Indonesia Advances to Volleyball World Championship Round of 16
13 Agustus 2025
The Indonesian U-21 Women's National Volleyball Team has advanced to the round of 16 of the World Championship after Vietnam was disqualified.
10 Easiest Countries to Obtain Citizenship
30 Juli 2025
Here are 10 countries considered the easiest for acquiring citizenship, according to International Living via Forbes
4 Countries That Cut Civil Servant Jobs for Efficiency and Reform
15 Juli 2025
This wave of civil servant layoffs is not unique to the U.S., as other countries have adopted similar measures for efficiency and reform.
FIFA Rankings: Argentina Remains on Top, Indonesia Climbs 5 Spots
11 Juli 2025
Argentina remains at the top of the FIFA rankings, leading in points over Spain, France, England, and Brazil. The Indonesian national team has climbed to 118th position.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers Recap: Argentina Draws, Brazil Wins
11 Juni 2025
The draw did not knock Argentina from the top spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifying standings in Latin America.
Cinema Roof in Argentina Collapses During Final Destination: Bloodlines Screening
28 Mei 2025
The roof of Cinema Ocho in La Plata, Argentina collapsed during the screening of the horror film Final Destination: Bloodlines, causing injuries to several audience members.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4548967/original/094336900_1692782124-tanaphong-toochinda-FEhFnQdLYyM-unsplash.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5327418/original/014991800_1756180726-alexandr-podvalny-TciuHvwoK0k-unsplash.jpg)