Israel shifts stance on Falklands, backing Argentina's call for negotiations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli diplomats to back Argentina's demand for direct negotiations with Britain over the Falkland Islands.

• Netanyahu instructed Israeli diplomats to change Israel's official stance and join Argentina in calling for direct talks on the islands' future.
• The announced shift follows British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's decision last month to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
• Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon urged direct negotiations between Britain and Argentina during a UN session last week.
• Israel acknowledged Argentina's historical ties to the islands but stopped short of formally recognizing its sovereignty claim.
• The Israeli embassy in London denied the Telegraph report, saying Netanyahu had issued no such directive.