Netanyahu reportedly orders Israeli diplomats to back Argentina over the Falklands, but his London embassy denies any directive

The order is said to be payback for Britain's sanctions on West Bank settlements last month. Israel hit back then by expelling most staff from the British consulate in Jerusalem. Diplomats were reportedly told to push for direct UK talks with Javier Milei's Argentina. Embassy spokesman Alex Gandler said: 'I categorically deny this allegation. No such directive exists.'

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

This is reportedly the first time Israel has got involved in this conflict.

Britain insists sovereignty cannot be discussed without the islanders' consent.