Israel has lashed out at Spain following the abrupt cancellation of a €6.6 million arms deal, which involved the purchase of 15 million bullets from Israeli defence firm IMI Systems.
A spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, speaking to Spanish daily El País, said, “Israel strongly condemns the Spanish government’s decision to unilaterally break a contract signed with the company IMI Systems.”
The spokesperson further criticised Madrid, stating, “The Spanish government is sacrificing security considerations for political purposes and continues to be on the wrong side of history against the Jewish state that is defending itself from terrorist attacks on seven fronts.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez personally intervened on Thursday, instructing Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to terminate the arms agreement immediately.
The move follows growing political and public outrage. Critics argued the deal directly contradicted Spain’s firm stance against Israel’s military operations in Gaza, where reported casualties have exceeded 50,000.
Spain, one of the loudest critics of Israel’s actions in Europe, had already imposed an arms embargo against Israel in 2023. The continuation of any deals, even previously signed ones, sparked fierce backlash.
The decision to cancel the contract has deepened divisions within Spain’s fragile governing coalition. Reports that the deal was proceeding despite official announcements had already stirred controversy.
Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, leader of the junior coalition partner Sumar, welcomed the move. “The important thing today is that it is finally rescinded, and that the government of Spain does not do business with a genocidal government, as in this case it is the one massacring the Palestinian people,” Díaz declared.
Israel’s fierce condemnation and Spain’s decisive action highlight the escalating diplomatic rift between the two nations. As Madrid strengthens its stance against Israel’s Gaza operations, internal political fault lines continue to widen at home.
