MADRID: Spain has permanently pulled its ambassador to Israel, escalating diplomatic tensions amid opposition to coordinated US-Israel military strikes against Iran. The Spanish government formally announced the termination of the ambassador’s post in its official gazette, stating that the embassy in Tel Aviv will now be led indefinitely by a chargé d’affaires.
Read More: Meloni criticizes US–Israeli strikes on Iran
The move follows Spain’s recall of the ambassador last September after Israel condemned Madrid for blocking aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using Spanish ports or airspace. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar at the time labeled the decision antisemitic.
Speaking on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Spain’s leadership, saying, “I think they’re not cooperating at all … They’ve been very bad to NATO … Very bad. We may cut off trade with Spain.” Trump distinguished between the Spanish people, whom he called “fantastic,” and the country’s leadership, describing it as “not so good.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., condemned Spain’s decision, arguing it undermines joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, which he described as a “religious Nazi regime” threatening the Jewish state and Western security. He warned that Spain’s actions could embolden Iran’s leadership.
Relations between Spain and Israel have worsened since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Last May, Israel also downgraded its diplomatic presence in Spain after Madrid recognized a Palestinian state, leaving its embassy under a chargé d’affaires.
Read More: Spanish PM criticises US over global conflicts
The recent developments highlight deepening rifts in Western and Middle Eastern diplomatic alignments, particularly as U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran continue, and Spain signals its unwillingness to support such campaigns. Analysts suggest that tensions could further strain Spain’s relations with Israel and complicate NATO coordination on regional security matters.