Netanyahu Meets Javier Milei as Israel Signs Security, Technology Deals and Launches Direct Flights

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in his office in occupied Jerusalem that the war with Iran has not ended and is ongoing, while the same event included the signing of security and technology agreements and the inauguration of a direct flight route between Argentina and Israel.

“An announcement by Israel's El Al to reopen sales of its direct flights to Argentina during May highlights the planned air route linking Tel Aviv with Buenos Aires, set to be inaugurated in late November 2026 as the longest flight in the company's history”

Al-Jazeera Net

The announcement tied the aviation plan to tourism and economic links, with a joint statement from Netanyahu's Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Transport saying the direct flight route was expected to "encourage inbound and outbound tourism."

Al-Jazeera Net

El Al said it would begin operating a new direct flight to Buenos Aires in November, and the Israeli government approved a special budget to ensure the continuation of these flights.

The joint statement said the route would be launched "for the first time" between Israel and Argentina and would be carried out by El Al in accordance with government decisions, including a support mechanism aimed at achieving economic viability and establishing regular air travel over time.

Netanyahu framed the link as a fast connection for aviation and tourism, saying direct flights between Israel and Argentina will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and connect "Israel with the world, and the world with Israel."

A separate report said El Al's announcement to resume selling tickets for its direct flights to Argentina for booking in May highlighted the planned air route linking Tel Aviv with the capital Buenos Aires, set to be inaugurated in late November 2026 as the airline's longest flight in its history.

That same account described the April 20 celebratory scene in occupied Jerusalem, where Netanyahu welcomed Milei and described the project as "the first direct line between the two countries," while U.S. Ambassador Mike Hakabi joked that he would be "the first to buy a ticket."

Akhir Khabar

The report said the route was designed to carry political dimensions beyond civilian aviation, describing it as a practical translation of Netanyahu and Milei signing the 'Ishaq Agreements' inspired by the 'Abraham Accords.'

It also laid out the travel and aircraft details, saying journeys now take between 21 and 33 hours via transit flights through Europe such as Madrid and Paris, while the direct new line would shorten time to about 16.5 hours outbound and 15.5 hours return, covering more than 12,000 kilometers nonstop using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Logistical constraints were described as Israeli aircraft being barred from flying over African countries such as Libya, forcing a costly detour across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and the Israeli government provided financial support to El Al amounting to 20 million shekels (about 5.4 million dollars spread over three years).

The reports said the route’s economic success depends on attracting the Jewish community in Argentina, described as the largest in Latin America, with estimates ranging from 180,000 to 300,000 people.

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during his meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in his office in occupied Jerusalem that the war with Iran has not ended and is ongoing with developments”

Arab 48

In Israel, press reports described reservations by the Ministry of Transport about pulling Dreamliner aircraft from profitable routes such as the United States, warning that reducing supply would raise ticket prices for Israelis traveling to America.

In Argentina, opposition was described through left-wing congresswoman Miryam Brígman, who accused President Milei of dragging the country into an 'imperial war' without congressional authorization and warned that decisive decisions must pass through Parliament or risk violating the constitution.

The tourism angle also surfaced in southern Argentina, where local residents and activists accused Israeli tourists, described as many of whom are discharged soldiers, of causing large fires in Patagonia’s natural reserves due to neglect.

The report cited a January 2026 fire that burned 77,000 hectares and led to the arrest of an Israeli tourist, placing the direct flight plan alongside immediate social and legal tensions tied to tourism.