Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced the recall of the Israeli ambassador to Madrid following critical comments from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez about Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Cohen, expressing his dissatisfaction with Sanchez’s “baseless claims,” took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to declare the recall for consultations in Jerusalem.
This development comes after Sanchez, in a televised interview, expressed “serious doubts” about the legality of Israel’s operations in Gaza. An Israeli official informed AFP that this was not the first instance of Sanchez voicing such opinions.
The diplomatic relationship between Israel and Spain has been strained due to Sanchez’s repeated critiques of Israel’s military responses in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas-initiated Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7. Sanchez emphasized the need for Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law, expressing concern over the increasing casualties, especially among children.
Israel has similarly recalled its ambassadors from Turkey and South Africa following similar comments by their leaders on the Gaza conflict. The exact date of Israeli ambassador Rodica Radian-Gordon’s departure from Madrid remains uncertain.
Cohen, in his statement on X, affirmed Israel’s commitment to international law, stating the country’s intention to continue its operations in Gaza until the release of hostages and the neutralization of Hamas.
He held Hamas solely responsible for the October 7 massacre and the current situation in Gaza, accusing the group of war crimes against Israelis and Gaza residents.
The tension escalated further when Sanchez, during a speech in Egypt, condemned the “indiscriminate killings of innocent civilians.” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo echoed these concerns, stressing Israel’s need to respect international humanitarian law.
Following these remarks, the Israeli foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium for a stern reprimand, accusing both leaders of supporting “terrorism.”
