Spain Summons Israeli Diplomat Over Foreign Minister’s Remarks

Spain summoned Israel’s top diplomat on Tuesday for the second time in five days following controversial comments by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, who called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez antisemitic and a “liar.”

Diplomatic Actions

• Charge d’affaires Dana Erlich was called in over what Spain termed “the unacceptable words and positions of the Israeli foreign minister,” according to a statement from the Spanish Foreign Ministry.
• Israel has not appointed an ambassador to Spain since the Sánchez government recognised the state of Palestine in 2024.

Background

• Spain’s leftist government has been one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military campaign in Gaza.
• The campaign was launched in response to Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
• Madrid’s recent measures, aimed at “ending the genocide in Gaza,” further strained diplomatic relations with Israel.

Controversial Remarks

• Saar labelled Sánchez “antisemitic” and a “liar” after the Spanish leader expressedsupport for pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted Spain’s Vuelta cycling race.
• Last Friday, Erlich was also summoned following accusations from Netanyahu that Sánchez was inciting genocide against Israel.

These developments mark a period of heightened tension between Spain and Israel, with the recognition of Palestine and the Gaza crisis at the centre of the diplomatic dispute.