Milei receives Israel’s highest civilian honour from president

President Javier Milei has been awarded Israel’s highest civilian honour, which he received from Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday during his visit to the nation.

Herzog praised Milei’s “bold leadership” and thanked him for his “unwavering support” of Israeli since taking office as Argentina’s leader in 2023. 

He highlighted the Argentine leader’s backing for the families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and the “clear” stance he has adopted on the international stage in support of the Israeli government. 

Milei, in turn, thanked Herzog for the honour, saying he received the medal “with the respect it deserves” and describing it as a sign of the “strengthening of friendship” between the two nations.

“Thanks to the Argentine people once again choosing the ideas of liberty, we have returned to the path of the West, of Judeo-Christian values and of all that made us great as a civilisation. 

“Among the many things we have regained, few are more significant than the close bond of friendship between our nations. A fraternity that has always existed from people to people, that no government has been able to break, and which today is stronger than ever,” Milei said in his acceptance speech.

“Argentina and Israel represent, each in their own way, a shared cause: keeping the flame of liberty alive in an uncertain world, where darkness now looms even over those peoples who were once free,” he added.

The remarks were delivered during a bilateral meeting with Herzog, part of Milei’s third official visit to Israel, which coincided with celebrations marking the Middle Eastern country’s 78th Independence Day.

During his trip to Israel, Milei also reiterated his government’s decision to relocate Argentina’s Embassy to Jerusalem, describing the move as part of a “return to Judeo-Christian values.”

“As Moses said to the people of Israel: between life and death, between blessing and curse, you shall choose life. That is why we want the friendship between Argentina and Israel to endure. 

“First, for what it represents for two peoples who share values, a legacy and a vision of the future. But above all as a symbol that, even in the darkest times, good ultimately prevails, provided we remain united. 

“May God bless Israel. May God bless the Argentine Republic. May the forces of heaven be with us,” the President concluded.

– TIMES/NA