President Isaac Herzog will award Argentinian President Javier Milei with the Presidential Medal of Honor during his upcoming visit to Israel, the President's Office announced on Monday.
The medal is awarded to those who have made an exceptional contribution to Israel or humanity through their talent, service, or other means, the President's Office said.
Milei will be awarded the high civilian honor in "recognition of his consistent and outspoken commitment to Israel since assuming office in 2023," the statement read.
"Milei has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, stood alongside the families of Gaza hostages, and expressed a deep connection to the Jewish people and its heritage," the statement added.
Milei's policies have "positioned Argentina as a key ally of Israel, including through clear diplomatic and security measures and his decision to relocate the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem, reflecting a profound commitment to Israel's security and its standing in the international community," it continued.
Milei has 'deep personal commitment to Israel, fight against antisemitism'
Milei acts "out of a deep personal commitment to Israel and the fight against antisemitism, and will light a torch during the Independence Day state ceremony, as well as inaugurate the Argentine Embassy in Jerusalem" during his visit, the President's Office noted.
"As early as the beginning of 2024, just a few months after the October 7th massacre, President Milei chose to make his first state visit as president to the State of Israel while a war was still underway. Together, we toured Kibbutz Nir Oz and wept at the sight of the destruction. Faced with the profound grief and trauma experienced by all of Israeli society, the president of Argentina offered courageous friendship and genuine partnership at some of the most difficult moments we have ever known," Herzog said.
"At a time when one campaign follows another and turning one’s back on Israel has become more prevalent than ever, President Milei represents bold leadership and pursues a clear and unequivocal policy of standing with the State of Israel, as an ardent Zionist, through thick and thin. He holds a warm place in his heart for the people of Israel, and I have therefore seen fit to honor all of his efforts on our behalf," Herzog added.