In January 2026, Miguel López-Valverde, responsible for digitalization in the Madrid government, will travel to Israel. His mission is to establish direct dialogue with Israeli companies and government agencies to build new channels of cooperation in cybersecurity. This move stands out against ongoing debates on the reconstruction of Gaza and the complex relationship between Spain and Israel following the events of 2023.
The Madrid authorities, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, openly express their interest in Israel’s experience with protecting critical infrastructure. Official statements emphasize that the purpose of the trip is to study best practices, strengthen institutional ties, and attract investment to the region. Yet behind these formal statements lies a much more complex political game, where every gesture and meeting carries special significance.
Technology and politics
During his visit, López-Valverde plans to meet with representatives of leading sector companies, including Leshem Institute at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Check Point, and Pentera. His agenda also includes negotiations with the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) and a visit to the country’s oldest technical university — Technion.
Particular attention is being paid to participation in the international CyberTech Tel Aviv 2026 forum, which will bring together government officials, major corporations, startups, and investment funds from around the world. Here, the Madrid official will present the region’s digital development strategy, hoping to attract interest from potential partners and investors.
All this is happening against the backdrop of Israel’s controversial reputation in Europe following the military actions in Gaza. Despite tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties, Madrid’s leadership continues to show loyalty and a willingness to cooperate with Israeli organizations. This approach raises questions among some in Spanish society, but regional authorities appear unwilling to change course.
Money and Influence
Not only the visit itself, but also its financial aspect is drawing attention. In July 2024, the Ayuso administration allocated nearly 15,000 euros to organize a five-day trip for a group of Israeli journalists and influencers. The sum was just eight euros below the threshold requiring an open tender, allowing the authorities to bypass public bidding and avoid unnecessary publicity.
This practice is nothing new for Madrid. Back in 2018, regional authorities funded similar trips, covering not only accommodation and meals for the guests, but also excursions, wine tastings, and even dinner shows at famous Madrid venues. That year, expenses exceeded 10,000 euros, and entertainment for visitors included flamenco shows and exclusive tastings in historic wine cellars.
Such generosity has raised eyebrows among parts of the public, especially against the backdrop of economic challenges and ongoing debates about government spending transparency. Nevertheless, regional authorities continue to bet on ‘soft power’ and promoting Madrid’s image among Israeli opinion leaders.
Context and consequences
The López-Valverde visit is more than just a working trip. It’s part of a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening ties with Israel, despite international disagreements and domestic disputes. In February 2023, Díaz Ayuso herself visited Israel and met with President Isaac Herzog. Since then, the regional government has repeatedly expressed its support for the Israeli side, even when official Madrid has taken a more cautious stance.
As global attention focuses on Gaza’s reconstruction, Madrid authorities are prioritizing technological partnerships and knowledge exchange in cybersecurity. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, this sharing of expertise could prove exceptionally valuable. However, it’s important to remember the political aspect: every such move inevitably becomes a topic of debate and criticism.
The question of whether such expenses are justified and these visits are effective remains open. But one thing is clear: Madrid has no intention of abandoning its pursuit of closer ties with Israel, even if this sparks controversy within society and political circles.
