Spain has withdrawn its ambassador from Israel, marking a sharp rise in diplomatic tensions as criticism grows over the wars in Gaza and Iran, according to Al Jazeera News.
The decision was announced Wednesday in Spain’s official state gazette. According to the notice, the government ended the appointment of Ana María Sálomon Pérez as Spain’s ambassador to Israel following a proposal from the foreign ministry and approval by the Council of Ministers.
A source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation said Spain’s embassy in Tel Aviv will now be led by a charge d’affaires, a lower-ranking diplomat who manages the mission in the absence of an ambassador.
The move reflects Spain’s increasingly critical stance toward Israeli military actions. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the most outspoken in Europe against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza Strip and the recent attacks on Iran carried out by Israel and the United States.
Sánchez described the strikes on Iran as “unjustifiable” and emphasized that Spain’s position remains firmly against the expansion of the conflict. “Our position is clear: no to the war,” he said earlier.
Spain has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn international condemnation and deepened divisions within the European Union over how to respond to the conflict.
In October 2025, Spain’s parliament took a strong step by approving a law imposing a full arms embargo on Israel. The measure permanently banned the sale of weapons, military equipment, and dual-use technology that could have military applications.
Supporters of the policy say the embargo reflects Spain’s commitment to human rights and international law. Critics, however, argue that the move could strain diplomatic relations with Israel and some Western allies.
By recalling its ambassador, Spain has signaled that it is prepared to take stronger diplomatic action as the conflicts in Gaza and Iran continue to escalate.
The decision places Spain among the few European countries willing to openly challenge Israeli policies and raises new questions about unity within Europe on Middle East diplomacy.
