Argentina files criminal charges against Israeli oil firm over Falklands drilling

Argentina announced on Monday that it will file criminal charges against several subsidiaries of Israeli energy company Navitas Petroleum and their executives for operating without Argentine authorization in the Falkland Islands, marking a sharp escalation in Buenos Aires' campaign to assert sovereignty over the disputed archipelago.euronews+1

The complaint, to be filed by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno with the backing of Treasury Attorney Sebastián Amerio, targets Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd, Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United, Navitas Petroleum LP, JHI Associates Inc, and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd ↗ 0.27%, along with their directors and representatives. Argentina alleges the firms hold hydrocarbon exploration licenses "granted by the illegitimate government of the United Kingdom" in the North Falkland Basin, in violation of Argentine law.al-monitor+2

Sea Lion and the Oil Stakes

At the center of the dispute is the Sea Lion oilfield, located roughly 220 kilometers north of the Falkland Islands. Navitas operates the project with a 65% stake, while British company Rockhopper Exploration ↗ 0.00% holds the remaining 35%. The field, estimated to contain 1.7 billion barrels of oil, is expected to begin production around March 2028.megaproject+1

The criminal complaint follows a national address by President Javier Milei on September 3, in which he called Sea Lion a "clear and present danger" and pledged to tighten sanctions on companies drilling in the territory. Milei also announced plans to build a naval base in Ushuaia and to send legislation to Congress extending penalties to suppliers of oil firms operating in the Falklands. On Monday, he instructed Economy Minister Luis Caputo to prioritize the naval base in the 2027 budget.euronews+2

Both Navitas and Rockhopper issued a joint statement last week insisting they operate under licenses "legally granted" by the islands' government and said they do not expect the Argentine measures to delay the project. Rockhopper's shares fell more than 6% on the London Stock Exchange following the initial announcement.telegraph+1

An Unexpected Geopolitical Twist

The criminal case against an Israeli company's subsidiaries quickly drew a reaction from Israel's far-right coalition partners. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentine sovereignty over the Falklands and impose sanctions on Britain "for as long as the occupation continues". Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich separately called for the expulsion of the British ambassador to Israel.mundiario+2

The remarks reflect deepening tensions between London and Tel Aviv over British policy toward Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK is preparing measures that would ban trade in goods from settlements, a move that Israeli officials have sharply condemned. Ben Gvir's statements do not represent a formal shift in Israeli foreign policy, but they inject the Falklands dispute into a broader diplomatic crisis between Israel and Britain.euronews+1

Britain's response has been firm. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called the UK's commitment to the Falklands "absolute and unshakeable," while Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said London would "resolutely uphold" the islanders' right to self-determination.megaproject+1