Spain permanently withdraws its ambassador from Israel
Madrid cites escalating tensions over the Gaza war and opposition to US-Israeli strikes on Iran as reasons for the withdrawal
Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel as tensions between the two countries deepen, according to an announcement published Tuesday in Spain’s official gazette. The move comes amid a growing diplomatic dispute over Spain’s opposition to the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Tel Aviv will be led by a chargé d’affaires for the foreseeable future. The ambassador had already been recalled to Madrid in September during an earlier diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
That earlier row followed Spanish measures banning aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using Spanish ports or airspace during Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the measures at the time, calling them antisemitic.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since Israel launched its military campaign in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Diplomatic tensions intensified further in May last year when Israel recalled its ambassador to Spain in protest after Madrid recognized a Palestinian state. Israel’s embassy in Spain is currently also headed by a chargé d’affaires.
The dispute has widened in recent weeks following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Sa’ar accused Spain earlier in March of “standing with tyrants” for opposing the military campaign.