Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, deepening a diplomatic rift between the two countries that has intensified amid disagreements over the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
The decision was formalized on Tuesday when Spain published an announcement in its official gazette confirming that the ambassador’s position in Israel had been terminated. According to Spain’s Foreign Ministry, the country’s embassy in Tel Aviv will now be headed by a chargé d’affaires for the foreseeable future.
Dispute Rooted in Earlier Diplomatic Tensions
The ambassador had initially been recalled in September during a diplomatic dispute after Spain banned aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using its ports or airspace. The measure was introduced in response to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, criticized the Spanish policy at the time, calling it antisemitic.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The diplomatic friction escalated further when Spain decided to recognize a Palestinian state, prompting Israel to recall its own ambassador from Madrid in May. Israel’s embassy in Spain is currently also led by a chargé d’affaires.
War in Iran Adds New Tensions
The dispute has intensified further in recent weeks following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which Spain opposed. Earlier in March, Sa’ar accused Spain of “standing with tyrants” for its stance against the war.
