Relations between Spain and Israel have plummeted to a historic low as Madrid announced a permanent weapons embargo and other restrictions against Israel, prompting the recall of its ambassador in response to escalating tensions. The diplomatic firestorm follows sharp accusations of antisemitism from the Israeli government, marking one of the most severe ruptures between Israel and a major European nation over the conflict in Gaza.

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez outlined a series of punitive measures awaiting parliamentary approval, formalizing a permanent arms embargo on Israel. The policy includes a ban on sales of weapons from Spain and prohibits ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from docking in Spanish ports. Additionally, aircraft transporting military materials to Israel will be barred from entering Spanish airspace.

Sánchez justified the stringent new policies by condemning what he and other experts have termed a "genocide" and the "extermination of a defenseless people" in Gaza. He criticized the international community for its inaction and argued that while Israel has a right to defend itself, its military campaign has far exceeded acceptable limits, citing the targeting of hospitals and the creation of starvation conditions for children.

Beyond the embargo, Spain intends to increase its humanitarian aid to Gaza to €150 million in 2026 and bolster support for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Other proposed measures include imposing an embargo on goods produced in Israeli settlements in occupied territories and restricting entry into Spain for individuals allegedly involved in the violence in Gaza.

Israel’s government has responded sharply to Spain's actions. The Israeli foreign ministry accused prime minister Sánchez of antisemitism and banned two Spanish ministers, Yolanda Díaz and Sira Rego, from entering the country over their vocal criticism and calls for sanctions. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar downplayed Madrid’s influence, stating that Israel did not need Spain's support for its defense.

In a significant diplomatic escalation, Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares announced that Madrid was recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations. Albares decried Israel's response as "slanderous accusations" and an unacceptable attack on Spain’s government.

These latest events follow a series of steps taken by the Sánchez government that have steadily increased pressure on Israel. Earlier this year, Spain, alongside Norway and Ireland, officially recognized a Palestinian state. Madrid also moved to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice.

While announcing the new measures, Sánchez acknowledged Spain’s limited role in the conflict compared to global powers like the United States. However, he insisted that his country has a responsibility to "demonstrate a path forward." Notably, no Arab country, Russia, or the Palestinian Authority has severed diplomatic ties with Israel, positioning Spain as one of the most critical Western voices against Israel's military actions.