Madrid (Web Desk): Spain has moved to tighten its stance on Israel as the Council of Ministers approved a complete arms embargo on Tuesday, a step aimed at holding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration accountable for the mounting civilian deaths in Gaza.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said the measure reflects the government’s strong political will and Spain’s leadership in standing up for human rights, according to a report by El País.
The decision, first outlined by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, replaces earlier partial restrictions with an outright ban covering weapons sales, fuel transit, and imports of products and services originating in occupied Palestinian territories.
Although some European countries such as Slovenia, Belgium, and the Netherlands had already enforced limited measures, Spain has become the first to impose a full prohibition. Coalition partner Sumar welcomed the move, claiming it sets an example for the wider European Union to follow.
The embargo, however, drew sharp words from Podemos leader Ione Belarra, who argued that action came far too late. She pointed out that such measures are meant to prevent atrocities, not to be enacted after tens of thousands of lives have already been lost.
Spain’s main opposition, the conservative Popular Party, has yet to clarify its position. Spokesperson Ester Muñoz said they would study the royal decree before declaring support or opposition. She warned that Spain’s own security forces rely on Israeli-made equipment and stressed that the matter was far more complicated than it might appear.
Government spokesperson and Education Minister Pilar Alegría linked the embargo to Spain’s broader foreign policy, reminding that Sánchez had called for swift recognition of Palestine during his UN address.
She emphasized that Spain recognized Palestine in May and has since been joined by other countries including France, Portugal, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, underlining Madrid’s role in promoting a two-state solution.
This latest step comes after Spain had already presented a nine-point sanctions package against Israel earlier in September but postponed the comprehensive embargo due to what officials described as technical and legal hurdles.