NextFin news, The Spanish government announced on Tuesday that it intends to approve an arms embargo against Israel next week in Madrid. This decision comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and aims to establish a legal and permanent ban on the purchase and sale of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment to Israel.
The embargo is part of a series of nine measures the Spanish government plans to implement to help stop the violence in Gaza, hold perpetrators accountable, and support the Palestinian population. The announcement was made by the Spanish central government and reported by the news outlet DEIA on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
In addition to the embargo, Spain has already taken steps including canceling a €697 million contract for the acquisition of the High Mobility Rocket Launcher System (SILAM), which was developed from Israeli technology. The Spanish Ministry of Defense confirmed that Israeli-supplied technological material will be replaced by Spanish industry.
Further measures include banning any aircraft transiting Spanish airspace to transport defense equipment to Israel and prohibiting ships carrying fuel to the Israeli armed forces from entering Spanish ports.
The embargo and related actions have escalated diplomatic tensions between Spain and Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of antisemitism and barred two senior Spanish officials from entering Israel in response to Spain's moves.
The Spanish government's decision follows a United Nations independent commission's recent finding that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel denies.
These developments mark a significant shift in Spain's defense and foreign policy stance regarding Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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