Diplomatic Events

Today, Monday, 20 April 2026 / 3 Iyar 5786  the President Isaac Herzog Awards the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to President Javier Milei of Argentina

 President Herzog: “As President of Argentina, you are leading a bold policy, enhancing the collaboration between our countries to the benefit of both of our nations”

President Milei: “Argentina and Israel each represent, in their own way, the same cause: that of keeping alive the flame of freedom in an uncertain world”

 On Monday, April 20, 2026, President Isaac Herzog presented the “Presidential Medal of Honor”, the highest civilian decoration of the State of Israel, to President Javier Milei of Argentina in a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

The medal was awarded in recognition of President Milei’s consistent and outspoken commitment to the State of Israel, his unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, his solidarity with the families of the hostages, and his deep personal connection to the Jewish people and its heritage.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Gideon Sa’ar, the Minister the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of the Argentine Republic, Pablo Quirno, and the Minister of Justice of the Argentine Republic, Juan Bautista Mahiques.

Following the ceremony, the leaders held a bilateral meeting. During their meeting, President Herzog condemned the grave incident in which damage was caused to Christian religious symbols in southern Lebanon and is currently under investigation by the IDF.

Upon presenting the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to President Milei, President Isaac Herzog said:

“Javier, my friend, it is a true honor and pleasure for Michal and me to welcome you here at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. We gather at a sacred time and a sacred city. The city is our eternal capital. The time is the eve of Israel’s Memorial Day, in which Israel comes to a standstill in solidarity and mourning of those who gave their lives for our homeland.

“Tomorrow evening, Israelis will dry their tears and raise their Israeli flag to celebrate the independence of the State of Israel. As we approach this moment, I feel privileged to present a great friend of Israel and a great friend of mine, Dr. Javier Milei, with the highest civilian award an Israeli President can bestow: The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor.

“In February of 2024, a few months after the October 7th horrific massacre, you conducted your first visit to Israel as President of Argentina. Here, the shock, horror, and pain of that dark day were still raw and pulsing. On the grounds of Kibbutz Nir Oz, with the signs of devastation and horror all around us, trails of blood still staining the earth, remains of the fire that scorched the land, you and I stood together, shoulder to shoulder, with Michal and your dear sister, looked the families of the kibbutz in the eyes, and vowed: This kibbutz shall blossom again.

“We recalled there, in those darkest moments, what is always true: The Jewish people—the Israeli people—will always rebuild. And we shared another truth: The Jewish people are not alone. The State of Israel is not alone. We have allies, and we have great friends. You, Javier, in your actions and words, demonstrated your friendship and declared your message of showing up in body, spirit, and heart.

“As President of Argentina, you are leading a bold policy, enhancing the collaboration between our countries to the benefit of both of our nations. Much of your leadership points straight to the heart of tikkun olam—our highest ambition, to repair a fractured world. Together, we are harnessing the best of our nations to bring tools of innovation, science, and our boundless human creativity in service of greater health, prosperity, and well-being for people everywhere. And it shows.

“On behalf of the State of Israel, the people of Israel, and the entire history that stands behind us, I hereby bestow upon you the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor. Muchas gracias, mi querido amigo Javier. ¡Viva Israel! Viva Argentina!”

Upon receiving the “Presidential Medal of Honor”, President Milei said:

“I wish first to thank President Herzog for this medal that has been awarded to me. I am duly honored to receive it, as yet another warm gesture from the people of Israel who welcome me on every visit, with their characteristic affection.

“In addition to being honored by this distinction, I also welcome the increasingly closer ties between our peoples. I welcome the strengthening of this friendship, which has been one of the pillars of our government's foreign policy, as part of a return to the Judeo-Christian values that once made us great. Argentina once strayed from that path, renouncing its foundational values in search of alternatives that would justify the power structures of successive governments.

“Today, thanks to the Argentine people having once again chosen the ideas of freedom, we have returned to the path of the West, of Judeo-Christian values, and of everything that made us great as a civilization. And among all the things we have recovered, few are as valuable as the close bond of friendship between our nations. A fraternity that has always existed on a people-to-people basis, which no government has been able to break, and which today stands stronger than ever.

“Argentina and Israel each represent, in their own way, the same cause: that of keeping alive the flame of freedom in an uncertain world, where darkness today looms even over those peoples who once knew freedom. Freedom, which is nothing other than preserving the flame of a life that is free and worthy of being lived. Because, as Moses said to the people of Israel: ‘Between life and death, between blessing and curse, choose life.’

“That is why we want the friendship between Argentina and Israel to endure over time. First, because of what it represents for two peoples who share values, a legacy, and a vision for the future. But, above all, as a symbol of the fact that, even in the darkest times, good ultimately prevails, as long as we remain united.

May God bless Israel. May God bless Argentina. May the forces of heaven be with us. Thank you very much to all of you.”

Video of the Presidential Medal of Honor Ceremony for President Milei of Argentina:

https://mab.to/t/pFIgIiOkC83/eu2 

Video credit: Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound credit: Nir Sharf (GPO)