# UK-Argentina Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-argentina-falkland-islands-sovereignty-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-10T23:22:27.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4. The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following renewed claims by Argentine President Javier Milei. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the islands remain British because the inhabitants choose to be, noting that 99.8% of voters in a 2013 referendum opted to remain a British Overseas Territory. UK officials emphasized the right to self-determination, while some political figures called for increased military presence to defend the archipelago. Diplomatic tensions expanded as Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed support for Argentina’s sovereignty claims. Ben-Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize the islands as occupied Argentine territory and suggested sanctions against the United Kingdom. Smotrich demanded the expulsion of the British ambassador, a move appearing to react to UK government restrictions on goods from West Bank settlements. More recently, Yair Netanyahu, son of the Israeli Prime Minister, publicly supported the Argentine claim on social media, stating, “The Falkland Islands are Argentine territory!” Argentina has intensified its claims, with spokesperson Adrián Ravier stating the nation's approach is “peaceful, diplomatic and not military,” while rejecting comparisons to the 1982 conflict. The Milei administration has announced plans to impose sanctions on companies operating in the archipelago, specifically targeting Navitas Petroleum and its partners involved in the Sea Lion oil project. Argentina has further announced plans to bring criminal charges against Navitas Petroleum and its executives. Additionally, Argentina is projecting the construction of a naval base in Tierra del Fuego to strengthen its position in the South Atlantic. ## Claims - The UK seeks a modern and constructive relationship with Argentina regarding shared interests. (corroborated by 7 sources) - In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of island inhabitants voted to remain under British administration. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Donald Trump stated he is reviewing his position regarding the archipelago. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The UK government will be relentless in defending the rights of the Falkland Islands inhabitants to be British. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Argentina has filed criminal complaints against Navitas Petroleum and its executives for oil exploration in the islands. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Argentina's sovereignty claim is peaceful, diplomatic, and non-military. (single source) - Argentina plans to build a naval base in Tierra del Fuego to reinforce its position in the South Atlantic. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Yair Netanyahu supports Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands Yair Netanyahu has publicly supported Argentina's sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, following similar calls for sanctions against the UK by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yair-netanyahu-supports-argentinas-claim-to-the-falkland-islands ### 2026-09-07: Israeli ministers back Argentina's claim to Falkland Islands Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have backed Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands, calling for sanctions against the UK in response to British restrictions on West Bank goods. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israeli-ministers-back-argentinas-claim-to-falkland-islands ### 2026-09-07: Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute intensifies between UK and Argentina UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to be ‘implacable’ in defending Falkland Islands sovereignty as Argentina intensifies claims, targeting oil exploration projects and announcing new sanctions. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-kingdom-reaffirms-falkland-islands-sovereignty-while-seeking-constructive-ties-with-argentina ### 2026-09-05: United Kingdom reaffirms sovereignty over Falkland Islands The UK has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following claims by Argentine President Javier Milei, with officials citing the inhabitants' right to self-determination. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-kingdom-reaffirms-sovereignty-over-falkland-islands-1 --- Cite as: UK-Argentina Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-argentina-falkland-islands-sovereignty-dispute