Spain withdraws Ambassador to Israel amid growing diplomatic tensions
Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, further escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The move comes amid disagreements over Spain’s opposition to recent US-Israeli military strikes on Iran.
Spain had already recalled its ambassador in September following a diplomatic dispute triggered by Madrid’s decision to ban aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using Spanish ports or airspace. The restriction was imposed in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the decision at the time, calling it antisemitic.
On Tuesday, Spain officially confirmed in its government gazette that the ambassador’s position in Israel had been terminated. Spain’s Foreign Ministry stated that its embassy in Tel Aviv will now be headed by a chargé d’affaires for the foreseeable future.
The decision marks the latest deterioration in relations between the two nations, which have been under strain since Israel launched its military campaign in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.
Israel’s embassy in Spain is also currently led by a chargé d’affaires after Israel recalled its own ambassador last May in protest of Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
Tensions have increased further following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Earlier in March, Sa’ar accused Spain of “standing with tyrants” for opposing the conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran’s military command warned on Wednesday that global oil prices could rise to $200 per barrel as attacks on shipping continued in the blockaded Gulf region.
Iran also launched strikes against Israel and other targets across the Middle East, signaling that it retains the capability to retaliate and potentially disrupt global energy supplies despite what the Pentagon has described as the most intense US-Israeli strikes to date.
