Relations between Israel and Spain have reached a new low after the Israeli Embassy in Spain accused Pedro Sánchez’s government of leading an “anti-Israel crusade.” This comes after Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for the immediate suspension of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel in Brussels.
Harsh Criticism from Tel Aviv: “Demonization” and “Aggression”
On Thursday afternoon, the Israeli Embassy in Madrid, which has been without a permanent ambassador since its recall in 2024, issued a sharp statement against the Spanish government and its president. On its “X” account, the embassy described Spain’s stance as “aggression” and accused the country of “demonizing” Israel. The statement detailed the casualties Israel suffered during the 12-day conflict with Iran, which began on June 13.
The embassy emphasized that the Spanish government “failed to condemn the deliberate and continuous attacks on Israeli civilians, thereby initiating an anti-Israel crusade.” Instead of offering support, Spain called for “the suspension of European agreements with Israel and the imposition of an arms embargo” against the “attacked country.” This is “not only deeply regrettable but also morally unjustifiable,” according to the Israeli statement.
Spain’s Isolation in Europe? Israel Thanks Allies
Israel simultaneously thanked its main European partners for their support, highlighting that the position adopted by the Spanish government places Spain on the “extreme – and increasingly isolated – fringe of the European position on the Middle East.” “It unfortunately places them on the wrong side of history,” the statement added. This diplomatic escalation sheds light on the tensions within the EU regarding the Middle East conflict.
Sánchez’s Push in Brussels: Human Rights Violations and Comparison with Russia
Despite Prime Minister Sánchez’s vehement insistence on immediately blocking the pact, the heads of state and government of the 27 at the European Council on Thursday again avoided making a decision on the agreement with Israel. Upon his arrival in Brussels, Sánchez stated: “I will push for the EU to immediately suspend the Association Agreement with Israel. It makes no sense that we have 18 packages of sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine and Europe is unable to suspend the agreement with Israel.”
The Spanish Prime Minister further stressed Spain’s commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian access, and a step towards a two-state solution as the only alternative to tackle the conflict at its root. He reiterated to reporters from Brussels: “I think it is more than obvious that Israel is violating human rights.” Spain’s demands reflect growing frustration with the situation in the region and underscore the diverging views within the European Union.
