Spain has barred two senior Israeli ministers from entering
its territory after Israel imposed sanctions on Spanish officials, escalating
tensions.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced during the Council of Ministers' meeting that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had been added to Spain's list of sanctioned individuals.
According to Spanish news source El Pais, he stated that the decision was made since both are actively supporting Israel's attack in Gaza.
This action follows Israel's announcement of penalties against Spain's Youth and Children Minister Sira Rego and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz.
Israeli authorities declared they would no longer have any formal interaction with the two Spanish officials, and they are both prohibited from entering Israel.
Madrid's decision, Albares emphasized, is a "reciprocal response" to Israel's actions and shows Spain's persistent opposition to the current military campaign in Gaza.
What specific measures did Spain impose on Israel over Gaza?
Spain has enacted
a complete prohibition on the sale and purchasing of military property to
Israel on the global stage. This ban had been in the embargo since October 2023
and was now enacted by law.
Spain prohibits entry into its territory for anyone being directly involved in what they call genocide, human rights violations, and war crimes against Gaza, specifically Israeli senior officials and politicians, who support these actions.
Spain prohibits any ships carrying weapons, ammunition, or military fuel for Israel to fuel in its ports. It also prohibits aircrafts carrying military supplies for the Israeli forces to fly through Spain’s airspace.