Spain Pulls Ambassador from Israel Over Iran Strikes

Spain has officially cut diplomatic ties at the highest level with Israel by permanently withdrawing its ambassador. The move comes as the country continues to oppose US-Israeli military campaigns in Gaza and Iran.

Spain’s ambassador, Ana María Sálomon Pérez, had already been called back home last September after Spain banned ships and planes carrying weapons to Israel from passing through Spanish ports or airspace. Israel’s foreign minister criticised the decision at the time, calling it antisemitic.

On Tuesday, Spain made that recall permanent. In an official government notice, Madrid confirmed that the ambassador’s position had been terminated.

For now, Spain’s embassy in Israel’s capital city will be led by a lower-ranking diplomat known as a chargé d’affaires. Israel’s own embassy in Spain is also run by a chargé d’affaires, after Israel withdrew its ambassador last May when Spain recognised a Palestinian state.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the few European leaders to openly criticise the recent US–Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them “unjustifiable” and saying Spain’s position is simply “no to the war”.

His government has also taken a firm stance on Gaza. In October, Spain’s parliament passed a law permanently banning the sale of weapons and military equipment to Israel.