Spain Recalls Ambassador From Israel Amid Antisemitism Row Over Gaza War

Spain has recalled its ambassador from Israel following escalating tensions sparked by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s condemnation of Israeli military operations in Gaza and accusations of antisemitism from Israel’s top diplomat.

In a televised speech Monday, Sánchez accused Israel of committing “a genocide against Palestinians” and unveiled new punitive measures: an arms embargo, a ban on Israeli settlement goods, and restrictions on Israeli-linked ships and flights in Spanish territory. He also barred entry to individuals linked to alleged war crimes.

“What began as a legitimate military response to Hamas’s attacks has turned into a wave of illegal occupations and extermination of civilians,” Sánchez said, citing reports from UN officials.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded forcefully, labeling Sánchez’s government as antisemitic and “obsessively anti-Israel.” He announced sanctions against Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz and Minister of Children and Youth Sira Rego, accusing them of inciting violence and glorifying Hamas following the October 7 massacre.

“The government of Spain is promoting hate-filled rhetoric while cozying up to regimes like Iran and Venezuela,” Sa’ar said. “This is antisemitism by the IHRA definition demonization, delegitimization, and double standards.”

Spain has led EU efforts to isolate Israel diplomatically, recently pushing Brussels to suspend its association agreement with Jerusalem and backing an EU-wide arms embargo. A recent EU report, supported by Madrid, accuses Israel of violating human rights in Gaza, prompting sharp criticism from Israeli officials.

The diplomatic rupture marks a new low in Spain-Israel ties, with both sides trading accusations of moral failure and political extremism. Despite the fallout, Sánchez continues to defend his policies as part of a broader push for a two-state solution and peace in the region. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.