Story perspectives

Milei Becomes First Foreign Head to Light Israel Torch

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Argentine President Javier Milei became the first foreign head of state to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined Milei and gave a pre-recorded address praising Israel’s actions against Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
About 2,000 participants attended an Orthodox Union event where Arieh King spoke on resilience, while a separate torch-lighting in Tel Aviv drew thousands demanding a state inquiry into the October 7 attacks.

History

Historical Context

After Anwar Sadat broke Arab precedent by visiting Israel in November 1977, Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David talks that led to the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty signed by Menachem Begin. Argentine leader Javier Milei’s torch-lighting with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu echoes Sadat’s diplomatic overture, signalling a new alignment against broader political regional foes.

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Story summary

Argentine President Javier Milei became the first foreign head of state to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined Milei and gave a pre-recorded address praising Israel’s actions against Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
About 2,000 participants attended an Orthodox Union event where Arieh King spoke on resilience, while a separate torch-lighting in Tel Aviv drew thousands demanding a state inquiry into the October 7 attacks.

1 / 2