Israeli political figures used social media on Wednesday to mark Argentina's victory in the World Cup semi-final against England, supporting one of Israel's closest allies while simultaneously mocking Great Britain.
Reaction from Israeli Ministers
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted a message on X after the final whistle, stating: 'I really cannot enter Britain because I am eradicating the idea of a Palestinian state, but two goals were scored nicely,' referring to the two late goals conceded by England. Smotrich also congratulated Argentine President Javier Milei, whom he called a 'friend.'
His ultra-right-wing ally, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, also celebrated the result, writing on X: 'Honor to those who deserve honor, and now with faith in the final.' A few hours before the match, Ben Gvir had asked: 'Do I really need to explain to you why I pray wholeheartedly for Argentina to win tonight and reach the final?'
Sanctions and Politics
Both Smotrich and Ben Gvir have been subject to sanctions from the UK last year. The then Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that both ministers 'incited extreme violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians.'
Smotrich participated in the de facto annexation of significant parts of the occupied West Bank, while Ben Gvir oversaw Israel's prison and detention system, which some human rights groups described as 'torture camps.' Both also played a key role in the genocide in Gaza.
Other Figures and Diplomatic Ties
However, the celebrations were not limited to the sanctioned ministers. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who met with Lammy in London last year, wrote on X: 'How does the song sound? 'She is coming back.' Yes, she is coming back. She is coming back to Argentina. Vamos Argentina.' Sa'ar, who has Argentine roots, was in the United States for meetings with Israeli allies from Latin America.
According to a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sa'ar held meetings with colleagues from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay to discuss 'deep changes happening in Latin America, as well as problems and threats emanating from its enemies.' The statement also noted: 'And yes, we also raised a glass to Argentina's impressive semi-final victory in the World Cup.'
The Israeli government views Milei and several other leaders of Latin American right-wing forces as natural allies, many of whom offer strong support to Israel. A few hours before Argentina's victory over England, Sa'ar met with the incoming Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Ayala Escobar and agreed to restore diplomatic relations after many years of strained ties due to the war in Gaza.
Just before the match began, the Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, also supported Argentina by simply posting: 'Vamos Argentina.' Transport Minister Miri Regev, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, wrote on X: 'Congratulations to the people of Argentina and my friend President Javier Milei.' She added: 'I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you in the final,' ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday against Spain, one of Europe's loudest critics of Israel.
Accusations of Favoritism
Argentina's progression to the second World Cup final in a row—after winning the trophy in Qatar in 2022—also sparked accusations that FIFA favors the South American side. Referee decisions in Argentina's matches have drawn particular attention, especially in the Arab world. Argentina's victory over Egypt in the round of 16 prompted Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan to accuse FIFA of wanting to promote Argentina for 'marketing' reasons, which sparked a wave of criticism against both FIFA and Argentina.
