Argentine judge orders British and Israeli companies to halt Falklands oil project

An Argentine federal judge, Mariel Borruto, ordered British and Israeli companies to stop developing the Sea Lion oilfield off the Falkland Islands, escalating the sovereignty dispute with Britain. The injunction, issued on Wednesday, bars drilling and construction until an environmental review is completed. The companies, Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration, have vowed to continue. The project, expected to start production in 2028, has raised tensions, with Argentine President Javier Milei threatening sanctions. Britain insists Argentine law does not apply to the islands, citing a 2013 referendum where islanders voted to remain British.