The Spanish government has officially decided to recall its Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Israel, significantly downgrading its diplomatic presence in the country.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that according to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy in Tel Aviv will henceforth be headed by a chargé d'affaires rather than an ambassador.
The leftist government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently issued sharp criticism regarding the military actions taken by Israel and the United States against Iran, labeling these activities as "dangerous and illegal." This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic friction between Madrid and its traditional Western allies.
Amid the deepening crisis, the Madrid administration has taken further restrictive measures. Spain has officially prohibited US military aircraft from utilizing military bases in southern Spain for operations directed against Iran. In response to these developments, US President Donald Trump issued a statement on March 3, threatening to impose a large-scale trade embargo against the Spanish government.
This diplomatic rift highlights a period of intense tension in Spain's relations with both Israel and the United States. Historically, Spain has maintained a complex foreign policy in the Middle East, often advocating for a balanced approach and the recognition of Palestinian statehood, which has occasionally led to friction with Israeli administrations. The current escalation reflects a broader shift in Madrid's geopolitical positioning under the current cabinet.
