Spanish PM Imposes Arms Embargo, Israel Condemns Genocidal Threat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken a firm stance against Israel's military actions in Gaza, accusing Israel of committing genocide and announcing several sanctions including an arms embargo and bans on ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from Spanish ports. Sánchez emphasized Spain's limited military capabilities, lamenting the lack of nuclear weapons and large military resources, but affirmed the country's commitment to continue efforts to oppose the Israeli offensive. His comments have drawn fierce criticism from Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who accused Sánchez of issuing a "genocidal threat" against Israel and misleading rhetoric driven by antisemitism. Netanyahu referenced historical persecution of Jews by Spain to underscore his condemnation, while Israel imposed reciprocal sanctions by banning entry to several Spanish officials. Despite the backlash, Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's recognition of Israel's right to exist and condemned Hamas's terror attacks, framing his government's actions as a response to what he described as an unjustified assault on Palestinian civilians. These developments highlight the growing diplomatic tensions between Spain and Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.