Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed Argentine President Javier Milei on his second official state visit, telling the South American leader that he was a “true friend”, according to AFP.

“Javier — you are a true friend of Israel!” Netanyahu said, according to a statement from his office, highlighting that the Hebrew word for friend sounded similar to Javier.

Milei, who arrived in Israel late last night and immediately visited the Western Wall holy site, said the country had a special place in his heart.

This is Milei’s second visit to Israel since being elected in 2023. His previous trip, in February 2024, was his first official state visit outside of Argentina.

A statement sent from Netanyahu’s office said that Milei commended Netanyahu’s “strength in managing the multi-sector war and expressed unqualified support for the State of Israel”.