By Candelaria Grimberg
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentina’s President Javier Milei said on Friday he would travel to Israel in the “coming weeks,” one of his first overseas trips since the libertarian economist took office last month after pledging strong support for Israel during his campaign.
Milei was speaking during a Holocaust remembrance event in Buenos Aires, where he signaled support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, adding that Argentina would “not remain silent in the face of Hamas terror.”
Eleven Argentines are among the civilian hostages held by Hamas, Milei said, in captivity since the militant group who rules the Gaza Strip went on a deadly rampage through Israel on Oct. 7.
“In the coming weeks I will be traveling to the Holy Land in what will constitute a new chapter in the brotherhood between our two nations,” said Milei.
Buenos Aires has a large Jewish community and, before taking office in December, Milei said he intended to convert to Judaism.
His first foreign trip as leader was to New York City, where he visited the tomb of a well-known orthodox Jewish rabbi.
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel launched a three-month bombardment of Gaza that has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced the majority of the population.
The World Court ordered Israel on Friday to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and do more to help civilians.
(Reporting by Candelaria Grimberg; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien)
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