Britain's ambassador to Israel has publicly defended UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after Argentina's foreign minister used an Israeli newspaper to renew Buenos Aires' claim over the territory. Simon Walters accused Pablo Quirno of promoting "historical falsehoods" after the Argentine minister argued in the Jerusalem Post that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina "by history, by right, by conviction". The intervention is widely seen as part of Argentina's latest effort to build international backing for its long-running claim to the islands, including encouraging Israel to influence Washington.
Ambassador's response
Responding in the same publication, Mr Walters rejected the claims and pointed to the historical record. He wrote: "On January 3, 1833, an Argentinian military garrison that had been sent to the Falkland Islands three months earlier to impose Argentinian sovereignty was expelled by British forces. No civilian Argentinian population was expelled."
The ambassador also stressed that the wishes of Falkland Islanders remain central to Britain's position, highlighting the overwhelming result of the 2013 referendum in which residents voted to remain a British Overseas Territory. "The Falkland Islands are British, and self-determination lies with the islanders," Mr Walters wrote.
Renewed tensions
The diplomatic exchange comes amid renewed tensions over the Falklands following Argentina's victory over England in last month's World Cup semi-final. Shortly afterwards, President Javier Milei declared his country was getting "closer every day to the recovery of the Malvinas", using Argentina's name for the islands.
The debate intensified after Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, urged Donald Trump's administration to reconsider its backing for Britain's claim and instead support Argentina, arguing it would reward Mr Milei's support for the United States.
Broader context
The dispute also unfolds against a backdrop of strained UK-Israel relations. Britain's criticism of Israeli policy and its decision to recognise a Palestinian state have cooled ties, while Argentina has strengthened its relationship with both Israel and the Trump administration. Despite speculation that Israel could be drawn into the sovereignty dispute, Israeli officials have previously indicated they are unaware of any Argentine campaign to enlist Jerusalem's support over the Falklands.
