Spain withdraws ambassador to Israel amid tensions over Gaza and Iran

Politics

Spain withdraws ambassador to Israel amid tensions over Gaza and Iran

1 hour ago

News sources:

MIDDLEEASTEYE

ALJAZEERA

REUTERS

Spain withdraws ambassador to Israel amid tensions over Gaza and Iran

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

Spain has officially withdrawn its ambassador to Israel amid rising tensions.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez strongly opposes the U.S.-Israeli actions in Gaza and Iran.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry announced the position will be filled by a charge d'affaires.

Spain has decided to permanently withdraw its ambassador to Israel, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic relations between the two countries. This action follows Spain's long-standing opposition to the U.S.-Israeli military actions in Gaza and the recent strikes on Iran, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez labeling the situation as "unjustifiable," according to Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera.

The official state gazette confirmed the termination of ambassador Ana María Sálomon Pérez's position, with the Spanish embassy in Tel Aviv now being led by a charge d'affaires. This diplomatic shift comes amid Spain's prior measures banning arms shipments to Israel, a move that has been denounced as antisemitic by Israeli officials, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Since the onset of its military offensive in Gaza in October 2023, diplomatic relations have deteriorated, with Israel also recalling its ambassador from Spain in response to alleged anti-Israel sentiments. This continuous back-and-forth illustrates the deepening diplomatic rifts influenced by international actions and rhetoric, as confirmed by Reuters and Middle East Eye.