Under mounting international pressure over its attacks on Gaza, Israel turned to Latin America in search of new allies. In this context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentine President Javier Milei signed a declaration in Jerusalem on April 19, 2026, officially launching the Isaac Accords.
The initiative, announced by the Argentine leader Milei in late 2025, was formalized with this signature. The accord envisages cooperation between Israel and Latin American countries in the fields of diplomacy, security, intelligence, technology, trade and culture.
Emphasis on joint struggle against Iran
The declaration underscored a joint struggle against Iran's attempts to expand its 'terror networks' in the Western Hemisphere. According to Maariv newspaper, the memorandum includes high-level intelligence and defense cooperation.
The accord also covers combating drug trafficking, coordination in international forums and support for innovative economic projects.
Religious reference in name and objectives
The accord was named the 'Isaac Accords' in reference to Prophet Isaac, son of Prophet Abraham. The official text uses the phrase 'descendants of Isaac and states based on the Judeo-Christian tradition,' highlighting the common roots of Jewish and Christian communities.
As reported by the Jerusalem Post, rabbinical commentary notes that just as Isaac re-dug his father's wells and expanded Abraham's legacy, these accords will carry the Abraham Accords further.
Genesis Prize and incentive fund
In January 2025, the Genesis Prize, known as the 'Jewish Nobel,' was awarded for the first time to a non-Jewish head of state, Javier Milei. Milei announced he would donate the $1 million prize money to the Isaac Accords initiative.
In August 2025, the Genesis Prize Foundation established a tax-exempt nonprofit in New York called 'American Friends of the Isaac Accords' to support the initiative. The organization plans to encourage Latin American governments to cooperate with Israel, calling on them to move their embassies to Jerusalem, recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, and change their anti-Israel voting stance at the United Nations.
Israel's move is seen as part of a drive to forge new partnerships in Latin America after Bolivia cut ties with Israel in November 2023 and Colombia did so in May 2024.
