Spain Cancels Arms Sales to Israel

The Spanish government has announced the cancellation of arms sales to Israel, amid rising international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This decision, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aligns with the growing number of international organizations and countries calling for increased protection of civilian lives in the region.

Under Prime Minister Sánchez’s leadership, Spain’s relationship with Israel is experiencing a period of heightened tension. A major development was Spain’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine, a move also undertaken by Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway.

In May of last year, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated, “This is an act of justice towards the Palestinian people, an essential measure to guarantee Israel the security it rightfully demands, and the only viable path to lasting peace in the region. The Palestinian people have a right to a future of hope, just as the people of Israel have a right to a future of peace and security. After so many decades of pain and confrontation, we know that there cannot be one without the other.”

The virtually unwavering support for Israel from the United States has prompted various European and Asian nations to voice stronger condemnation of the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian toll in Gaza. Since October 8, 2023, it is estimated that more than 50,000 people have lost their lives as a result of bombings, missile strikes, and artillery fire.

The specific cancellation announced by Spain involves an arms shipment valued at approximately 6 million euros. According to reporting by Haaretz, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, consider the move symbolically significant but economically minor, noting that broader arms agreements with Israel totaling close to 1 billion euros remain unaffected for now.

Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu recently dismissed the head of Israel’s internal security services, Ronen Bar, following a decision by Israel’s High Court of Justice. Bar had been accused of actions perceived as supportive of certain anti-government demonstrations, in contrast to the primary mission of his office. Tensions and competition between various intelligence agencies are longstanding dynamics within Israeli governance.

Foreign Minister Albares emphasized that the international community — including many Israelis and Palestinians — recognizes that a sustainable solution to the conflict requires the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. “Today’s recognition of the State of Palestine by Spain, Norway, and Ireland brings the number of countries supporting this vision to 146,” he said. “Very soon, others will join us, including Slovenia, which will formalize its recognition this Thursday. This represents a vast majority of the international community.”