Spain permanently withdraws ambassador as rift with Israel deepens

Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, deepening a diplomatic standoff between the two countries over Madrid’s opposition to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The ambassador had already been recalled last September amid tensions linked to Spain’s decision to ban aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using its ports or airspace during the Gaza war, a policy Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticised as antisemitic.

Spain confirmed in its official gazette that the ambassador’s post has now been terminated, with the embassy in Tel Aviv to be led by a chargé d’affaires for the foreseeable future.

Israel’s embassy in Madrid is also headed by a chargé d’affaires after Israel recalled its ambassador in May following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the Gaza war began after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, with tensions rising further following the recent strikes on Iran.

via Reuters

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