Spain will ask the EU to terminate its partnership with Israel, citing alleged breaches of international law and human rights obligations.
MADRID: Spain’s government will formally propose that the European Union end its association agreement with Israel over alleged violations of international law.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the move at a political rally in Andalusia, stating the proposal would be presented on Tuesday.
Sanchez alleged that Israel “violates international law” and therefore “cannot be a partner of the European Union… it’s as simple as that”.
The association accord, signed in June 2000, includes a clause requiring respect for human rights.
Spain and Ireland first called for a review of the agreement in 2024 amid concerns over tactics used in the Gaza war following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
Spain’s subsequent recognition of a Palestinian state that same year infuriated Israel, with Sanchez escalating his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government since.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia sent a joint letter to the European Commission on Friday urging that the accord be discussed at the next EU foreign ministers’ meeting.
Netanyahu has accused Spain of waging a hostile diplomatic campaign and barred Madrid from participating in a US-led centre for post-war Gaza stabilisation.
“Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us,” Netanyahu said previously.
“I am not prepared to tolerate this hypocrisy and hostility,” he added, vowing not to allow any country to conduct a diplomatic war against Israel without consequence.
