Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu welcomed Argentine President Javier Milei to Eretz Yisroel this week, declaring the South American leader a “Lubavitcher” and a part of the Jewish family.

Meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Yerushalayim, Netanyahu thanked Milei for his firm support, noting warmly that “Javier” sounds like the Hebrew word chaver, meaning friend.

“So thank you, Javier, for everything that you have done,” Netanyahu told him. “Know that you are now, since you are a Lubavitcher, you’re now part of the mishpacha, part of our family in the deepest sense of the word. Thank you, my friend.”

Just before making his way to Eretz Yisroel, Milei sat down for an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, where he opened up about what he feels when visiting the Kosel and the Rebbe’s Ohel in New York, a spot he has visited multiple times since taking office.

“Whether I go to the Kosel or when I go to the Ohel, the first thing I feel is gratitude,” Milei shared. “Every time I arrive at the Kosel, I cannot help but feel a sense of appreciation. In fact, the first thing I do when I arrive… is give thanks.”

Elaborating on his prayers at these holy sites, he added: “My request is public, it is well known. Basically, what I ask for is wisdom to be able to differentiate good from evil – because sometimes evil knows how to mask itself, it knows how to generate self-justification. I ask for courage to choose the good, temperance to stay on that path, and justice to act according to what is fair, which ultimately is nothing more or less than the law of G-d.”

During his previous visit to Eretz Yisroel, Milei presented Netanyahu with a painting of the Rebbe.

Immediately upon landing for his third state visit since taking office, Milei headed straight to the Kosel.

Accompanied by Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, Presidential Secretary Karina Milei, and Argentina’s Ambassador to Israel Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, Milei was greeted by the Rav of the Kosel, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, and Mordechai Eliav, Director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.

At the Kosel, Milei recited Tehillim with Rabbi Rabinovitch, prayed for peace, and signed the visitors’ book. Rabbi Rabinovitch presented him with a copy of “Steppingstones,” his book on the Yomim Tovim.

“My vision for the state is based on the values of morality and faith, on justice, and on Jewish heritage,” Milei said, standing before the Kosel. “Adopting G-d’s laws and sanctifying freedom, life, and private property are the key to our prosperity. Only by respecting these laws will we achieve true freedom – both physical and spiritual – and build a heaven on earth.”

He is expected to return to the Kosel for a final prayer before his departure.

From the Kosel – where he and Netanyahu have prayed together on previous visits – Milei made his way to the Prime Minister’s Office for a private meeting ahead of a joint signing ceremony.

Netanyahu and Milei launched the Isaac Accords, a new framework to strengthen ties between Israel and Latin America, described by officials as having “great historic significance.”

Delegations also signed memorandums of understanding on counterterrorism and AI, announced a $150 million credit line for Israeli businesses in Argentina, and launched direct El Al flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires starting in December 2026. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, representing President Trump, attended the signing and called Netanyahu and Milei “two of President Trump’s greatest friends.”

Netanyahu then addressed Israel’s ongoing campaign against Iran.

“We have been engaged with the United States in a battle against the great tyranny of Iran, which terrorizes the world,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not over yet, and any moment could bring us new developments.”

Netanyahu then pointed out that Milei’s previous trip to Israel took place just hours before a major Israeli strike on Iran.

“Javier Milei has that quality – every time he visits Israel, it’s right before something very big happens,” Netanyahu said. “No, I didn’t tell him last time. I don’t know what I can tell him now, because who knows what tomorrow or the day after tomorrow will bring.”

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