Argentina's President-elect, Javier Milei lights Hanukkah candles
(Video: Foreign Ministry)
Before his inauguration on Sunday, Argentina's newly empowered President Javier Milei reaffirmed his commitment to the Jewish people and Israel by lighting Hanukkah candles in his office.
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Milei met with families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, including the Bibas family, who are dual Argentine citizens, and with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
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Argentina's President-elect, Javier Milei lights Hanukkah candles with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and the Bibas family
(Photo: Foreign Ministry)
Milei promised Cohen and the families that Argentina, upon his assumption of office, would exert all efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped, using appeals to various organizations and international forums.
"I want to emphasize our absolute solidarity with the people of Israel following the acts of terror perpetrated by the Hamas terrorist organization," said Milei. "We strongly condemn them. I support Israel's full right to defend itself against those terrorist attacks. In addition, we are examining the possibility of declaring Hamas a terrorist organization in Argentina."
Minister Cohen welcomed Milei ahead of his formal entry into office. He thanked him for his intention to move Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem and invited him to inaugurate it soon. The two discussed deepening relations between the countries and expanding trade and the economy.
President Milley concluded the meeting with the families of the kidnapped by calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.