The Argentine government announced on Monday that it will file a criminal complaint against several subsidiaries of the Israeli oil company Navitas for operating without authorisation in the Malvinas (Falkland Islands), which are administered by the United Kingdom but whose sovereignty is claimed by Argentina.
The decision triggered an immediate reaction in Israel. The Minister for National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognise Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas and to impose sanctions on the United Kingdom "for as long as the occupation continues", accusing London of seizing Argentine territory and oil resources.
According to the Argentine presidency, the complaint will target Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd, Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United, Navitas Petroleum LP, JHI Associates Inc and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd, as well as their executives and representatives.
Argentina maintains that these companies "allegedly hold licences granted by the illegitimate government of the United Kingdom" to explore and exploit hydrocarbons in the North Malvinas Basin, in violation of Argentine law. The case also targets directors, managers, statutory auditors and any representatives who have taken part in the project.
