Tensions between Spain and Israel escalated yesterday following the announcement made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez regarding a set of measures aimed at “halting the genocide in Gaza.”
Sánchez clarified that Spain intends to transform the temporary ban on arms sales and purchases with Israel into a permanent law, along with prohibiting the shipment of fuel and weapons to the Israeli military from Spain. The outlined measures also include barring entry to “individuals directly involved in genocide, human rights violations, and war crimes in Gaza” into Spanish territory, banning the import of goods from “illegal settlements” in Palestinian territories, and reducing consular services offered to residents of these settlements.
Sánchez emphasized that while these actions may not suffice to end the assault on Gaza, they will contribute to increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. He reiterated Spain’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and striving for a two-state solution.
In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry characterized the Spanish decisions as “an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic campaign,” announcing a ban on the entry of Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Irene Rigau into Israel, accusing them of promoting a boycott against Tel Aviv.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry reacted by summoning its ambassador to Israel for consultations, firmly rejecting what it termed “slander and false accusations” from the Israeli side, and reaffirming its dedication to upholding peace and international law.
Conversely, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation for Spain’s stance, viewing it as a significant step forward in bolstering international efforts to end the conflict and displacement while ensuring a two-state resolution.