Madrid (TDI): Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador from Israel, marking a major escalation in the diplomatic dispute between the two countries amid growing tensions over the Gaza war and the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
The Spanish government confirmed that the ambassador’s post in Tel Aviv has been officially terminated, leaving the embassy to be headed by a lower-ranking chargé d’affaires for the foreseeable future. The decision signals a significant downgrading of diplomatic relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv.
Spain’s ambassador had already been recalled in September 2025 following a heated dispute between the two governments. Now explaining the termination of the post altogether, the Foreign Minister said that “insults and slanders” by Israel prompted the withdrawal.
“It’s become clear that Spain’s goodwill in maintaining cordial relations hasn’t been reciprocated — not diplomatically — through an increase in Israel’s representation in Spain, nor by restraining insults and slanders aimed at the Spanish people,” the minister said.
Last year when the ambassador was recalled, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled measures aimed at stopping what his government described as the “genocide in Gaza,” as well as restricting the movement of weapons destined for Israel through Spanish ports and airspace.
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Israeli officials sharply criticized the Spanish stance, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accusing Spain of adopting anti-Israel positions and “standing with tyrants” after Madrid opposed Israeli and US military strikes against Iran.
The diplomatic fallout comes against the backdrop of Israel’s continuing war in Gaza, which began after the October 2023 Hamas attack and has drawn widespread international criticism over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in the enclave.
Tensions between the two nations had already intensified in 2024 when Spain joined several European countries in recognizing a Palestinian state, prompting Israel to recall its ambassador from Madrid. Since then, both countries have largely operated without full diplomatic representation.
The latest move also reflects broader disagreements within Europe over the expanding regional conflict involving Iran. Spain has publicly opposed the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and has resisted pressure to provide logistical support for offensive operations.
By formally removing its ambassador, Spain has taken one of the strongest diplomatic steps among European nations against Israel’s policies in Gaza and viz-a-viz Iran.
