Spain Cancels €6.6 Million Ammo Deal with Israel Amid Internal Pressure

The Spanish government has cancelled a multi-million euro contract to purchase over 15 million 9-mm ammunition rounds from Israeli firm IMI Systems, responding to pressure from its left-wing junior coalition partner, Sumar. The deal, which was initially confirmed despite Spain's October 2023 pledge to halt arms trade with Israel in response to the Gaza conflict, faced criticism within the coalition, with threats from Sumar to withdraw support. The Interior Ministry had warned that scrapping the contract could require Spain to pay the full amount without receiving the goods, based on legal advice. Nonetheless, Spanish authorities decided to deny the Israeli company import permission on public interest grounds and rescind the contract, reaffirming their commitment to block future arms transactions with Israeli firms. This episode highlights ongoing tensions within Spain's ruling coalition over defense policy and spending. Government lawyers are preparing to respond to any legal claims from the Israeli supplier following the contract termination.