In the coming days, a new package of restrictive measures targeting Israel will come into force in Spain. The authorities intend not only to halt arms deliveries but also to extend the ban to certain types of aviation fuel. Additionally, the embargo will apply to goods produced in territories considered illegally occupied in the West Bank.
This move will be one of the key decisions at the Council of Ministers meeting, which coincides with the anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. The Spanish Prime Minister and King will take part in international talks, where the issue of recognizing Palestine and increasing pressure on Israel will return to the forefront. In recent months, several Western countries have joined in recognizing the Palestinian state, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Tel Aviv.
Spain had already announced the end of military cooperation with Israel last year, but now this ban will be given clear legal form. The new decree will formalize a complete halt to trade in arms, ammunition, and military equipment. Authorities have also set out protections against possible legal claims from Israeli companies, which may be excluded from participating in government tenders.
A significant innovation is the introduction of controls over the supply of aviation fuel, which previously was not subject to restrictions. This type of product will now be specially regulated to prevent its use for military purposes. Another measure is a ban on the import of goods produced in Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The aim is to prevent support for occupation and the forcible displacement of Palestinians, as well as to maintain prospects for a peaceful settlement based on the two-state solution principle.
Implementing these measures will require an adjustment of customs regulations and tighter border controls. Authorities acknowledge that identifying products from disputed territories is a challenging task, but consider it feasible. In the near future, parliament is expected to approve a new decree to resolve legal uncertainties and formalize the restrictions already in practice.
The imposition of the embargo will affect other areas as well. For example, the transit of vessels carrying fuel for Israeli military forces via Spanish ports will be banned. However, in practice, monitoring such shipments is complicated, as only vessels officially declaring the transport of weapons are subject to inspection. There are also questions regarding ongoing cooperation in military aviation: the training of Spanish pilots involves the use of equipment serviced by Israeli companies.
The domestic political debate surrounding the decree was intense. Some political groups demanded its immediate adoption, fearing a violation of coalition agreements. At the same time, the technical complexity of harmonizing the new rules and the need to comply with European standards led to a delay in publishing the final text.
Ultimately, Spain is taking a firm stance towards Israel, hoping that the new measures will serve as a signal to other EU countries and increase pressure on Tel Aviv to end military operations in Gaza and seek a political solution to the conflict.
