Israeli President Isaac Herzog will present Argentine President Javier Milei with the Presidential Medal of Honor during Israel's Independence Day celebrations on April 21 and 22. The ceremony, held at the Israeli presidential residence, coincides with the official inauguration of the relocated Argentine embassy in Jerusalem.
Herzog announced the decoration in a statement released Monday, praising Milei's unwavering support for the Jewish state. "President Milei represents bold leadership and pursues a clear and unequivocal policy of support for the State of Israel, as a fervent Zionist, through good times and bad," Herzog said.
As Israel celebrates its 78th anniversary, Milei will receive the nation's highest civilian honor. The Israeli Presidency stated the award recognizes individuals providing an "exceptional contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity through their talent, service, or other means."
Diplomatic shift to Jerusalem
The medal presentation follows Milei's decision to move the Argentine diplomatic mission from Herzliya to Jerusalem. This move fulfills a campaign promise and follows the precedent set by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018.
During a visit to the Knesset in June 2025, Milei announced the embassy would officially relocate in 2026. The current Argentine mission sits on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.
Herzog noted that Milei's commitment was evident when the Argentine leader chose to conduct his first state visit to Israel in early 2024, shortly after the October 7 attacks. The Israeli President added that Milei has "demonstrated unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, has accompanied the families of the hostages, and has expressed a deep connection with the Jewish people and their heritage."
While the move solidifies Argentina's alignment with Israel and the United States, the relocation of embassies to Jerusalem remains a sensitive geopolitical issue. Under international law, the eastern part of the city is considered occupied territory, a status contested by Palestinians who seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.