Member of Knesset Eitan Ginzburg. Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, Knesset Spokesperson The direct flight route between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires is on the verge of opening. This was declared yesterday (5.11.25) by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the Knesset podium, in response to a query submitted by Member of Knesset Eitan Ginzburg (Blue and White).
MK Ginzburg asked: "The route you committed to opening will pave the way for expanded trade relations and symbolize solidarity and deep connections between the countries. As is well known, Argentina is one of Israel's greatest friends in the world, proving it daily through actions. I want to know what is delaying the opening of the route."
Minister Smotrich responded: "I need to finalize the budget source, approximately 10 million Shekels (approximately $2.8 million USD) that needs to be secured as a guarantee for El Al to operate the route. I hope this will be resolved in a matter of days, and we will sign the agreement with El Al. I hope El Al will prepare more quickly than currently estimated," said the Finance Minister in his response to Ginzburg, who also serves as co-chair of the Israel-Argentina Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Smotrich further added in his response that the Argentine side will also offer benefits such as waiving fees for the airline.
Photo courtesy of Israel-Argentina Friendship Association"For Our Friends, We'd Move Mountains"
The Finance Minister referred to the Argentine Prime Minister Milei's support for Israel: "His support is tremendous. He is a person whose heart is in the right place of history. Regardless of whether it is economically right or not to open this flight route, we need to stand by his side. We must broadcast to the world - for our friends, we'd move mountains."
Concerning the feasibility of operating the route, Smotrich said: "Economically, I've been told 'we have very few wide-body aircraft at El Al, and every plane that flies there isn't flying to North America. But it's the right thing to do, and we're doing it as quickly as possible."