NEWS
NEWS

United States accuses Spain of "encouraging terrorists" with Sánchez's measures against Israel

Updated

The United States considers it "very concerning" that Spain is limiting the access of its ships and aircraft to Spanish ports and airspace, describing it as "turning its back on Israel"

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.AP

A spokesperson for the United States Department of State has stated that the measures announced on Monday by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, are "very concerning" because they "encourage terrorists" from Hamas.

Washington conveyed this assessment in an email sent to Reuters, stating: "It is very concerning that Spain, a member of NATO, has chosen to potentially limit U.S. operations and turn its back on Israel on the same day that six people were killed in Jerusalem."

The consolidation of the arms embargo, the prohibition of transit through Spanish ports or of aircraft through national airspace carrying defense material destined for Israel were among the nine measures announced by the Spanish Prime Minister on Monday.

Shortly after these actions were announced, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reacted, recalling "Spain's crimes against the Jewish people" and banning the entry of Yolanda Díaz and Sira Rego. He also mentioned that he would inform his allies, including the firm stance of the U.S. government under Donald Trump, regarding this matter.