Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made headlines in mid-May after describing Israel as a “genocidal state” during a heated parliamentary session. The unprecedented statement marks a new low in diplomatic relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.
The remarks were made on 14 May, during a fiery debate in the Spanish Parliament. Responding to criticism from Catalan MP Gabriel Rufián over Spain’s continued economic ties with Israel, Sanchez firmly rejected the accusation of complicity.
“We do not conduct business with a genocidal state,” he declared, confirming that his administration had already taken concrete steps to cut military trade with Israel.
Israel Summons Spanish Ambassador in Protest
The Israeli government swiftly condemned Sanchez’s statement, with the Foreign Ministry summoning Spanish ambassador Ana Salomon for an official rebuke in Jerusalem. The ministry labelled the comments as “grave,” signalling growing frustration in Israel over mounting European pressure.
A government spokesperson in Tel Aviv said the diplomatic meeting would proceed as scheduled, underlining the seriousness with which the Israeli administration viewed the Spanish Prime Minister’s accusation.
Spain Cancels Munitions Contract, Reaffirms Support for Palestine
Spain’s distancing from Israel has been building over recent months. In April 2025, the Sanchez government scrapped a €6.6 million ($7 million) weapons deal with an Israeli defence firm. The move came amid growing calls from coalition partner Sumar, led by Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, to cut ties over alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
Spain had already joined Norway and Ireland in formally recognising the State of Palestine in May 2024. Just one month later, Madrid publicly endorsed South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza.
Gaza War: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has sharply deteriorated since the collapse of the 18 March ceasefire. Israeli forces have intensified their offensive, with reports from Al Jazeera estimating that over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 118,000 injured. Additionally, around 14,000 individuals remain missing.
Israel has also halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, sparking fears of a looming famine. Human rights organisations and international observers have raised alarms over the worsening crisis, urging an immediate resumption of aid and a ceasefire agreement.
A New Chapter in Spanish Foreign Policy
Prime Minister Sanchez’s blunt characterization of Israel — a first by a sitting Spanish leader — reflects a broader shift in Europe’s stance on the Gaza conflict. While Spain has long supported a two-state solution, the recent escalation signals a more assertive approach from Madrid, both in rhetoric and policy.
As international legal proceedings progress at The Hague and pressure mounts for accountability, Spain’s alignment with Palestinian statehood and condemnation of Israeli actions marks a turning point in its Middle East diplomacy.
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