A new conflict has erupted between Spain and Israel. The cause was a recent speech by Pedro Sánchez, in which he addressed the inability to halt the military operation in Gaza due to Spain’s lack of a nuclear arsenal. His remarks sparked outrage in Jerusalem.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the head of the Israeli government, publicly accused Sánchez of making what he described as a direct threat to Israel’s existence. According to Netanyahu, such statements are unacceptable, especially towards the world’s only Jewish state. He recalled the tragic chapters of history associated with Spain and expressed surprise that this was not enough to encourage more restrained rhetoric.
Tensions escalated as Madrid announced a series of restrictive measures against Israel. These include a ban on arms supplies, tighter controls on the entry of individuals linked to events in Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid for those affected. The Spanish government insists these steps are aimed at alleviating civilian suffering and seeking a political solution.
In his statement, Sánchez emphasized that Spain lacks nuclear warheads and significant oil reserves, and therefore cannot stop the ongoing events by force. Nevertheless, he assured that the country will continue to seek ways to resolve the conflict. At the same time, Madrid stresses that supporting Israel’s right to exist does not mean approving attacks on civilian targets or the deaths of children.
In response to accusations from the Israeli Prime Minister, Spanish authorities called his remarks false and offensive. Madrid recalled that Spaniards oppose all forms of antisemitism, condemn the actions of radical groups, and support investigations of possible crimes in Gaza by international courts. Spain’s official position is support for a two-state solution and the pursuit of a just peace in the Middle East.
