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The Spanish government officialized the cancellation of a billionaire contract with Spanish companies involved in the production of Israeli weapons, as part of the total embargo on military cooperation with Israel, confirmed last week. The agreement included logistical support and military training. The decision marks another chapter on the climb of tensions between Madrid and Tel Aviv.
The contract provided for the acquisition of 12 units of this high mobility rocket launch system (SILAM), developed from the puls system of Israeli company Elbit Systems, according to the Military Report of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The project was being conducted by a consortium formed by Spanish companies, with technology transfer and local production.
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The cancellation of the contract occurs days after the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a package of nine measures to “stop the genocide in Gaza”. Among them is the total embargo for the sale and purchase of weapons with Israel, the blockade of Spanish ports and airports for military ships and aircraft to the country, and the prohibition of entry of Israeli authorities involved in war crimes.
In addition, the Spanish government has prohibited the importation of products from illegal settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, and restricted consular services to Spanish citizens residing in these occupied territories.
Sánchez was emphatic: “This is not to defend itself. It is not even attacking. It is to exterminate an helpless people.”
He also stated that even without military power, Spain wants to “give the example” in defending international law.
Hard answer from Israel
The Israeli reaction was immediate. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the Spanish government of “institutionalizing anti-Semitism” and declared as “persona non grata” Vice President Yolanda Díaz and Minister Sira Rego, both of the Sumar Party, who press Sánchez for a firmer stance against Israel.
Saar also accused Spain of historical hypocrisy, recalling the expulsion of the Jews in 1492 and classifying the Spanish government as “corrupt and without moral authority.”
On the other hand, Madrid announced the reinforcement of humanitarian aid to Palestine, sending staff to the Mission of the European Union in Rafah, expanding agricultural and doctors projects with the Palestinian Authority, and increased contribution to Unrwa. Direct aid Gaza is expected to reach € 150 million by 2026.
Diplomatic crisis
The diplomatic crisis between Spain and Israel has reached its most critical point since the beginning of the offensive in Gaza. The Spanish Ambassador in Tel Aviv was called back to consultations, and the Israeli representative in Madrid was summoned twice after the arrest of Spanish citizens involved in the Freedom Flotilha.
Sánchez, who defends the solution of two states, said that “what happens in Gaza has no name, but has a word: genocide.” The statement broke with the usual diplomatic language and consolidated the political rupture between the two countries.
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