The Spanish government has delayed the formal
adoption of a full arms embargo on Israel despite
announcing a package of extensive measures against
Israeli military actions in Gaza. Prime Minister
Pedro Sánchez announced multiple initiatives but held
back on the permanent embargo, causing significant
political debate and international reactions.
Spain’s announced stance on Israel’s Gaza conflict
As reported by Julia Frankel of AP News, Prime
Minister Pedro Sánchez intensified Spain's condemnation of
Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. He
described the military offensive as "annihilation of a
defenseless population" and labelled it as genocide. Sánchez
articulated a series of nine measures to increase pressure on
Israel, including an arms embargo, bans on ships and
aircraft aiding Israeli forces from entering Spanish
ports or airspace, and greater humanitarian aid to Gaza (€150
million in 2026).
Sánchez stressed these measures were to add
pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s
administration to alleviate Palestinian suffering, though he
acknowledged Spain's limited impact in the conflict.
Spain aims to be at the forefront of European nations taking action against Israeli military
practices and has called for broader international efforts.
Delay in formal adoption of the full arms embargo
Despite Sánchez’s announcement, reports by Euractiv
and People's Dispatch clarify that while Spain
approved eight out of nine proposed measures on 9 September
2025, the most contentious measure—a permanent arms embargo—was delayed
and not formally adopted as of the date of reporting. The
government has instead maintained a de facto embargo on arms
sales to Israel since October 2023 and intends to formalize it
through a royal decree, which requires parliamentary approval.
The delay stems from internal political debate
within the coalition government between Sánchez's
Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and its junior left-wing
coalition partner, the Sumar alliance. Sumar, led by Yolanda Díaz, pressed
for stronger measures, including severing all trade and
diplomatic ties and declaring senior Israeli officials
persona non grata. PSOE has resisted breaking
diplomatic relations or recalling the ambassador,
arguing it would be counterproductive and harm efforts toward a
two-state solution.
Broader measures accompanying Spain’s stance
Aside from the arms embargo, Spain plans to prohibit
vessels carrying fuel or military supplies for Israel
from entering Spanish ports or airspace, ban imports of goods
from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories,
and bar entry to individuals directly participating in what
Sánchez termed the "genocide" in Gaza—including
Israeli government and military figures.
Spain will also boost financial support to Palestinian authorities and UN agencies such as UNRWA, adding €10 million to existing aid in addition to the €150 million earmarked for next year's humanitarian assistance.
Political controversy and international reaction
Israel has condemned Spain’s measures sharply.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Sánchez's
government of antisemitism and deflecting from Spain's
internal corruption scandals. Saar's ministry reciprocally
barred Spanish ministers Yolanda Díaz and Sira Rego,
both from the leftist Sumar party, from entering Israel
citing their calls to label Israel a "genocidal state"
and push for sanctions.
Domestically, Sánchez preemptively
addressed accusations of antisemitism by acknowledging the
historical suffering of the Jewish people, including
the Holocaust, in his speech. He emphasised Spain’s commitment to
a two-state resolution and condemned Hamas's attacks from the outset.
Historical context and Spain’s position
Spain has long been critical of Israeli policies
towards Palestinians and distinguished itself in May 2024
by officially recognising Palestinian statehood alongside Norway and
Ireland. Spain was also the first European country to request UN
court permission to join a case against Israel concerning
the Gaza situation.
The government’s actions reflect significant political
pressure from left-wing coalition partners advocating a more
confrontational approach, while more moderate elements
caution against full diplomatic rupture.
The Spanish government stands at a politically complex
crossroads: it condemns Israel's Gaza offensive in unequivocal
terms including genocide accusations, advances extensive
punitive measures, but delays formalising a complete arms
embargo awaiting parliamentary approval. The move
highlights deep internal coalition tensions and the
challenge of balancing pressure on Israel with
diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving the broader conflict.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his administration signal a clear policy direction aimed at supporting Palestinians and pressuring Israel, yet the delayed embargo underscores political pragmatism and potential repercussions in international and domestic arenas.