Madrid, Spain – Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over the Gaza war and recent military actions against Iran.
The decision follows months of diplomatic strain between the two nations. Spain had earlier recalled its ambassador in September amid a dispute over Madrid’s policy banning aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using Spanish ports and airspace.
Israeli officials strongly criticized the move, with the country’s foreign minister describing the policy as antisemitic.
According to Spain’s Foreign Ministry, the ambassador’s position has now been formally terminated, and the Spanish embassy in Tel Aviv will be headed by a chargé d’affaires for the foreseeable future.
Israel’s embassy in Madrid is also currently led by a chargé d’affaires after Israel recalled its ambassador last May in protest against Spain’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
The diplomatic rift between the two countries has intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza war following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel. Tensions further increased after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, a move Spain openly opposed.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has been among European leaders critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the wider regional conflict.
