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6 days ago
Spain permanently withdraws ambassador as diplomatic standoff with Israel deepens
Summary
Spain on Wednesday, March 11, permanently withdrew its ambassador to Israel as the diplomatic standoff between the two countries over attacks on Gaza and Iran worsened. Spain has opposed the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran since February 28.
Last September, Spain summoned back its ambassador to Israel after a diplomatic row erupted between the two countries. Ana Maria Salomon was officially relieved of her duties on Tuesday at the proposal of Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, in a decree signed by King Felipe VI and published in the official state journal.
The row began when Spain took measures to ban aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from its ports or via its airspace over military offensive in Gaza.
The measures were denounced as antisemitic by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. The foreign minister also barred two of his ministers from entry, plunging already frayed ties to new depths.
On Tuesday, Spain published an announcement in its official gazette that the ambassador's position had been terminated. Spain's Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Tel Aviv will be led by a charge d'affaires for the foreseeable future.
The move marks the latest escalation in diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been heavily strained since Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October of 2023.
Israel withdrew its ambassador from Madrid in 2024 following Spain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, and has since been represented by a chargé d’affaires. Israel's embassy in Spain is also run by a charge d'affaires after the country summoned its ambassador last May in protest at Spain's decision.
Tensions have heightened since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with Sa'ar accusing Spain in early March of "standing with tyrants" for opposing the war.
Recently, United States President Donald Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all trade with Spain”. The decision came as Spain denied access to its military bases for his bombing campaign against Iran.
Addressing the reporters at the Oval Office, Donald Trump said, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” The US President also said that despite the refusal, America could use the bases if it wanted to.
“We could use their base if we want. We could just fly in and use it. Nobody’s going to tell us not to use it, but we don't have to," Trump said.
(With Reuters inputs)
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Last September, Spain summoned back its ambassador to Israel after a diplomatic row erupted between the two countries. Ana Maria Salomon was officially relieved of her duties on Tuesday at the proposal of Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, in a decree signed by King Felipe VI and published in the official state journal.
The row began when Spain took measures to ban aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from its ports or via its airspace over military offensive in Gaza.
The measures were denounced as antisemitic by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. The foreign minister also barred two of his ministers from entry, plunging already frayed ties to new depths.
On Tuesday, Spain published an announcement in its official gazette that the ambassador's position had been terminated. Spain's Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Tel Aviv will be led by a charge d'affaires for the foreseeable future.
The move marks the latest escalation in diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been heavily strained since Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October of 2023.
Israel withdrew its ambassador from Madrid in 2024 following Spain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, and has since been represented by a chargé d’affaires. Israel's embassy in Spain is also run by a charge d'affaires after the country summoned its ambassador last May in protest at Spain's decision.
Tensions have heightened since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with Sa'ar accusing Spain in early March of "standing with tyrants" for opposing the war.
Recently, United States President Donald Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all trade with Spain”. The decision came as Spain denied access to its military bases for his bombing campaign against Iran.
Addressing the reporters at the Oval Office, Donald Trump said, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” The US President also said that despite the refusal, America could use the bases if it wanted to.
“We could use their base if we want. We could just fly in and use it. Nobody’s going to tell us not to use it, but we don't have to," Trump said.
(With Reuters inputs)
For about a decade, Livemint—News Desk has been a credible source for authentic and timely news, and well-researched analysis on national news, busine...Read More
Stay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and US news.
Download the Mint app and read premium stories
AI Description
Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador from Israel amid a diplomatic standoff. The decision follows ongoing tensions related to attacks on Gaza and Iran.