Argentina Files Criminal Charges Against Israeli Oil Firm Over Falklands Operations

Argentina has filed criminal charges against several subsidiaries of the Israeli oil firm Navitas for operating without authorization in the Falklands, which are administered by the United Kingdom but claimed by Argentina. The Argentine government announced the complaint on Monday, targeting Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd, Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United, Navitas Petroleum LP, JHI Associates Inc, and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd, along with their executives and representatives.

The decision has drawn a swift response from Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas and to impose sanctions on the United Kingdom, accusing London of occupying Argentine territory and exploiting its oil resources.

Argentina claims these companies allegedly hold licenses granted by the United Kingdom’s government, which it considers illegitimate, to explore and exploit hydrocarbons in the North Malvinas Basin. The case also targets directors, managers, statutory auditors, and any representatives involved in the project.

This is not the first time Argentina has taken action against oil activity in the area. The country declared the operations illegal in 2012 and filed a similar complaint in 2015. In 2022, it directly sanctioned Navitas, and in December 2025, the government of Javier Milei formally rejected an announcement by investors to invest €1.808 billion in the project to begin production.

Navitas operates and controls 65% of the Sea Lion project, located approximately 220 kilometers north of the Falkland Islands, in waters disputed by Argentina and the United Kingdom. Its partner is the British company Rockhopper, which holds the remaining 35%. The project is in the development phase and is expected to start pumping crude oil in March 2028.

The two companies had already responded to Argentina’s measures before the criminal complaint was submitted. They issued a joint statement insisting they operate under licenses legally granted by the islands’ government and with the full and ongoing support of the United Kingdom.

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