Israel launches direct flights to Argentina: Geopolitical tool or diplomatic lifeline?

Israel and Argentina have officially launched the first direct flight route between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, starting in November, marking a new step in bilateral relations under Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The flight will operate twice weekly, covering 12,000 kilometers, making it the longest route in the history of Israel's national airline.

According to experts, the move is more political than commercial. The route's launch event took place in East Jerusalem, attended by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Milei. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee was also present and jokingly promised to buy the first ticket, calling the two leaders "the best friends of President Donald Trump."

Analysts view the direct flight as a tool to realize the "Isaac Pact" — a Latin American cooperation framework inspired by the "Abraham Accords." Under this, Israel aims to establish strategic security, counterterrorism, and artificial intelligence cooperation with countries such as Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Paraguay.

Technology for recognition

Israel is leveraging its advantages in military technology and surveillance to build influence, offsetting its diminished image following the Gaza war. Analyst Ihab Jabarin stated: "Israel's moral image has completely eroded. The rationale now is: 'You may not like us, but you need us.'" Israel provides expertise in cybersecurity, AI systems, border management, and drones to nations facing internal conflict and organized crime. "This route isn't just for carrying passengers; it's a permanent corridor for security and tech entrepreneurs," Jabarin said.

The strategy mirrors Israel's approach in Africa, where it has built close ties with Ethiopia, Kenya, and Chad. Israel also uses small island nations like Micronesia to secure favorable votes at the United Nations.

Milei-Netanyahu tandem

President Milei is one of the few Latin American leaders to offer unconditional support for Israel. While left-wing countries in the region like Brazil have cut ties or strongly condemned Israel, Milei has declared himself "the most Zionist president in the world." For Netanyahu, Milei symbolizes that Israel can still forge ideological alliances, not merely pragmatic ones.

Escape from international warrants?

The direct flight also serves a practical security purpose. As many Israeli officials and soldiers face potential arrest in Europe over war crime allegations related to Gaza, the new route allows them to avoid transit at European airports. Current connecting flights via Madrid or Paris can take 21-33 hours and carry legal risks.

Expert Diego Ruzzarin says the project aims to ensure a smooth journey for Israelis, especially military personnel, helping them avoid interrogation or arrest risk in Europe. Jabarin confirms: "Latin America is emerging in Israel's calculations as a more politically flexible space than Europe, which values human rights."

Economic hurdles and domestic opposition

Israeli aircraft are banned from flying over some African countries' airspace, such as Libya, forcing a detour over the Mediterranean and Atlantic, increasing costs. The Israeli government has subsidized El Al with 20 million shekels (5.4 million USD) over three years.

The route's success largely depends on Argentina's Jewish community — the largest in Latin America, with about 300,000 people. However, the project has faced criticism. Israel worries that deploying Boeing 787 Dreamliners from lucrative U.S. routes to Buenos Aires could raise fares for North American flights. In Argentina, left-wing lawmaker Myriam Bregman accused the Milei government of dragging the country into an "imperial war" without parliamentary approval. Recently, Israeli tourists were blamed for a severe forest fire in Patagonia in January 2026, which burned 77,000 hectares.