JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli President Isaac Herzog will bestow the nation’s highest civilian honor on Argentine President Javier Milei during his upcoming visit to Israel, the President’s Office announced Monday.

Herzog will award Milei the Presidential Medal of Honor (עיטור הנשיא), Israel’s top civilian decoration, in recognition of his “consistent and public commitment to the State of Israel” and his deep personal dedication to fighting antisemitism, according to an official statement.

“While wave after wave of attacks on Israel has become more common than ever, President Milei represents bold leadership and advances a clear, unequivocal policy in support of the State of Israel — as a passionate Zionist, through fire and water,” Herzog said in the announcement.

The advisory committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Dr. Yoram Danziger, unanimously recommended granting the medal to Milei. The recommendation was conveyed to him through Argentina’s ambassador to Israel.

Milei, who has been a vocal supporter of Israel since taking office in 2023, made his first state visit to the Jewish state in early 2024 amid the ongoing war with Hamas. During that trip, he toured the devastated Kibbutz Nir Oz with Herzog and stood in solidarity with hostage families.

The Argentine leader has repeatedly pledged to move his country’s embassy to Jerusalem and has taken clear diplomatic and security steps aligning Argentina closely with Israel.

During his upcoming visit, Milei is also expected to light a torch on Israel’s 78th Independence Day and inaugurate Argentina’s new embassy in Jerusalem. The formal medal presentation ceremony will be held at the President’s Residence.

The Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel or to humanity.