Netanyahu reportedly orders diplomats to back Argentina over the Falklands in retaliation for British sanctions, but Israel denies it

Israeli embassy spokesman Alex Gandler hit back on Saturday: 'I categorically deny this allegation. No such directive exists.' The reported order tells diplomats to push for direct UK-Argentina talks on the islands' future. It stops short of formally endorsing Argentine sovereignty. Government sources linked the move to Israel's close ties with Argentine President Javier Milei.

Britain's West Bank settlement sanctions saw Israel expel most staff at the UK's Jerusalem consulate.

Itamar Ben-Gvir had urged Netanyahu to recognise Argentine sovereignty and sanction Britain.

In a 2013 referendum, 99.8 per cent of islanders voted to stay British.