NEW YORK (MNN); Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador from Israel, further deepening the diplomatic dispute between the two countries over Madrid’s opposition to the recent United States-Israeli attacks on Iran.
The decision was formally announced on Tuesday through Spain’s official state gazette, which confirmed that the ambassador’s position had been terminated. According to Spain’s Foreign Ministry, the country’s embassy in Tel Aviv will now be managed by a charge d’affaires for the foreseeable future.
Spain had initially recalled its ambassador in September last year following a diplomatic row with Israel. The dispute erupted after Spain introduced measures prohibiting aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using Spanish ports or airspace. The move was taken in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Israel strongly criticised the decision, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemning the Spanish measures and accusing Madrid of promoting what he described as antisemitic policies.
Relations between the two countries have remained tense since Israel launched its military assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza have sparked widespread international criticism and diplomatic divisions, with Spain emerging as one of the European nations openly critical of Israeli military operations.
The latest development represents another escalation in the already strained ties between Madrid and Tel Aviv.
Israel’s diplomatic presence in Spain has also been downgraded. Israel recalled its own ambassador from Spain in May last year in protest after Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine, a move that angered Israeli authorities and further complicated relations between the two governments.
Diplomatic tensions have intensified even more in recent weeks following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Spain has openly opposed the attacks, warning that such military actions could further destabilise the region.
In early March, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Spain of “standing with tyrants” for criticising the war and opposing the strikes against Iran.
Analysts believe that unless both sides take steps to ease tensions, diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel may remain limited for the foreseeable future.
