Spain Responds to Israeli ‘Insults’ by Withdrawing Its Ambassador
Spain announced Thursday that it has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, citing repeated “insults and slanders” by the Israeli government. The decision marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Ambassador Officially Relieved of Duties
Veteran diplomat Ana Maria Salomon Perez was officially relieved of her duties Tuesday at the proposal of Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. She had been recalled from Tel Aviv in September following Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s statements about Gaza.
Diplomatic representation will now be handled by a charge d’affaires, a lower-ranking official whose status reflects downgraded relations. The change signals Spain’s serious dissatisfaction with Israeli conduct.
Spain’s Grievances Outlined
Foreign Minister Albares explained the decision saying: “It’s become clear that Spain’s goodwill in maintaining cordial relations hasn’t been reciprocated — not diplomatically — through an increase in Israel’s representation in Spain, nor by restraining insults and slanders aimed at the Spanish people.”
He added: “Keeping an ambassador who had been called back for consultations for six months no longer made sense.” The statement indicated Spain’s frustration with one-way diplomatic efforts.
Reciprocal Israeli Action
Israel withdrew its ambassador to Madrid in 2024 after Spain recognized Palestinian statehood. Israel has since also been represented by a charge d’affaires, mirroring Spain’s current arrangement.
The mutual downgrading reflects deteriorating diplomatic relations between the countries. Both nations have adopted similar postures of reduced official representation.
Gaza War as Central Issue
Prime Minister Sanchez has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s war on Gaza. He unveiled measures designed to “stop the genocide in Gaza, pursue its perpetrators and support the Palestinian population.”
Sanchez’s strong statements on Gaza have created friction with Israeli leadership. His position reflects significant segments of Spanish public opinion critical of the military campaign.
Iran Conflict Divides Positions
Sanchez has also opposed the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began February 28. The divergence on Iran policy adds another dimension to diplomatic tensions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sarr accused Spain of “standing with tyrants” by opposing the strikes on Iran. The accusation reflects fundamental disagreement on regional security issues.
Israeli Counteraccusations
Israeli Foreign Minister Sarr accused Spain of being “complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes” after recognizing Palestinian statehood. The strong language escalates the rhetorical conflict.
The accusations show Israeli frustration with Spain’s diplomatic positions. The mutual criticisms demonstrate deep disagreement on Middle East policy.
Historical Diplomatic Context
Spain only established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1986 following the death of dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975. Under Franco, Spain avoided recognizing Israel and maintained closer ties with Arab states.
The relatively recent establishment of relations adds context to current tensions. Spain’s historical orientation toward Arab states remains influential.
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