Madrid (Spain) — Spain Parliament passed a non-binding motion urging the government to impose a full arms embargo on Israel. The move comes in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
The motion, supported by 176 lawmakers in Spain Parliament, was introduced by the leftist Sumar alliance, part of the ruling coalition. Opposition parties of Spain Parliament Podemos and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) also backed the proposal. Meanwhile, 171 lawmakers from the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox voted against it.
Spain Parliament Lawmakers Demand Immediate Arms Ban
The motion calls for an immediate ban on exporting military-related equipment to Israel. This includes items such as helmets, vests, and fuel that could serve military purposes.
It also recommends overhauling Spain’s foreign trade laws. The goal is to ban defense agreements with any country accused of genocide or crimes against humanity, explicitly referencing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Sumar spokesperson Veronica Martinez stated:
“Spain cannot cooperate with a state that commits genocide or war crimes.”
Strong Words from Podemos Leader in Spain Parliament
Podemos leader Ione Belarra took a firm stance, urging the government to issue a formal decree:
“Palestinians cannot wait any longer. Netanyahu is killing, bombing, starving, and depriving them of medical care.”
She also described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “the Hitler of our time,” calling the situation in Gaza the “biggest ethnic cleansing of the 21st century.”
Spanish Defense Minister Responds in Spain Parliament
Defense Minister Margarita Robles, speaking from Brussels, clarified Spain’s current stance:
“Since October 7, not a single weapon has been purchased from Israel. Only protective gear like helmets and vests for Spanish security forces has been procured.”
However, protestors outside parliament said otherwise. Civil society groups claimed Spain still holds nine active arms contracts with Israeli companies, worth millions of euros.
Spain Steps Up Diplomatic Pressure on Israel
On Monday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for Israel’s exclusion from global cultural events, including Eurovision. He compared the situation to Russia’s expulsion after its invasion of Ukraine.
“We cannot allow double standards, even in culture,” he said.
Spanish Government Actions Against Israel
Spain has taken several steps in recent months:
- In April 2025, it canceled a contract with an Israeli firm for ammunition.
- It confirmed no new licenses for Israeli arms imports would be granted.
- All pre-October 7, 2023, arms deals with Israel have been suspended indefinitely.
- In November 2024, Spain blocked two ships carrying weapons to Israel from docking in Spanish ports.
These actions reflect Spain’s growing opposition to military cooperation with Israel.
Diplomatic Fallout
In retaliation for Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state, Israel restricted the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from serving Palestinians.
Sanchez also called on EU countries to suspend the EU-Israel free trade agreement, citing continued violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
As of May 2025, Israel’s war in Gaza has resulted in over 175,000 casualties, with women and children making up the majority. Over 11,000 people remain missing.
International criticism has grown over the humanitarian crisis. Spain’s motion adds pressure on other EU nations to review their ties with Israel.
Spanish Parliament- Cortes Generales = Congress of Deputies + Senate
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