Arabic version: إسرائيل والأرجنتين تطلقان رحلة مباشرة لتعزيز العلاقات

Israel and Argentina have launched a direct flight starting in November as the two countries boost their ties under Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The El Al airline will operate the twice-a-week service, marking a significant step in Israel’s efforts to expand its influence in Latin America.

According to Al Jazeera, the 12,000-kilometer (7,460-mile) route is the longest in El Al’s history and is driven by political ambitions rather than mere commercial viability. Netanyahu and Milei celebrated the announcement during a recent event in occupied East Jerusalem, emphasizing their political alignment and shared interests.

The flight aims to translate the “Isaac Accords,” a framework for establishing cooperation in areas like security and technology between Israel and various Latin American countries, into tangible reality. This initiative is part of Israel’s broader strategy to counteract its declining international standing, particularly in Europe, by leveraging its advanced military technologies.

The direct flight also serves a highly practical security purpose for Israel, providing a means to bypass legal challenges and potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to actions in Gaza. This route offers a safer travel option for Israelis, especially military personnel, avoiding the risk of legal scrutiny in Europe.

Despite its strategic importance, the new route faces significant logistical and economic hurdles, including a government subsidy to mitigate costs. The success of the flight will depend heavily on the support of Argentina’s Jewish community, which is the largest in Latin America. However, the initiative has sparked criticism in both countries, raising concerns over its implications for local dynamics and international relations.