Israel brought its ambassador home last year in protest of Spain’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the Spanish policy at the time, calling it “antisemitic.” The Jewish state also banned high-ranking Spanish officials—including Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego—from entering the country, accusing them of justifying the October 7th attack by Hamas.
The conflict between the two nations has greatly escalated since then and has extended to the Jewish community. The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain has expressed deep concern over the "worrying rise in antisemitism" in the country, and David Hatchwell Altaras, the Hispano-Jewish Foundation's president, stated that the "corrupt Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez" and his government's rhetoric against Israel is introducing "antisemitism and toxicity" into Spanish society, jeopardizing the safety of the Jewish community to satisfy Sánchez's "personal agenda." Hatchwell accused Sánchez of controlling the media through corrupt sponsorships and using the judicial system ("lawfare") against its political opponents. Reports have highlighted the mapping of local "Zionist" and Jewish businesses in Spain, leading to fears of violence and harassment against Spanish Jews.
Spanish officials have called for Israel to be banned from international sporting events, such as Eurovision, comparing the situation to the ban on Russia. Pro-Palestinian sentiment is high, with disruptions to public events like the Vuelta a España cycling race by protesters demanding an end to the conflict.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described Israel's actions in Gaza as the "extermination of defenseless people" and a "genocide," demanding that Israel abide by international humanitarian law. Spain has moved from words to sanctions, implementing a de facto arms embargo, banning ships carrying weapons or fuel for Israel from docking in Spanish ports, and supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into Israeli leaders.
Israeli officials have strongly condemned Spain's stance, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accusing the Spanish government of a "continuous anti-Israel and antisemitic campaign" and a "hostile, anti-Israeli" approach that fuels hatred. Besides, the Spanish government has also angered U.S. President Donald Trump for refusing to let the United States use their military base for strikes against Iran.
