Spain Permanently Withdraws Ambassador from Israel

Darwin, 12 March: Tensions between Spain and Israel have intensified after Spain opposed the recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. As a result, Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador from Israel.

Spain had already recalled its ambassador from Israel in September last year amid diplomatic disputes. At that time, Spain also imposed restrictions stating that any aircraft or ship carrying Israeli weapons for use in the Gaza war would not be allowed to use Spanish ports or airspace. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar had described that move as antisemitic.

On Tuesday, an official Spanish government gazette announced the termination of the post of Spain’s ambassador to Israel. Spain’s Foreign Ministry said that its embassy in Tel Aviv will, for the foreseeable future, be run by a chargé d’affaires, an interim head of mission.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza Strip. The decision to end the ambassadorial post is the latest development in that ongoing diplomatic dispute.

Earlier, in May last year, Israel withdrew its ambassador from Spain in protest after Spain recognized the State of Palestine. As a result, Israel’s embassy in Madrid is also currently being run by a chargé d’affaires.

Tensions escalated further after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. In early March, Gideon Sa’ar accused Spain of being “an ally of dictators” for opposing the war.