Spanish PM Sánchez: No Trade with Israel Over Genocide Claims

Spanish PM Sánchez: No Trade with Israel Over Genocide Claims

Spanish PM Sánchez Sparks Controversy with Israel Trade Stance

On May 14, 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made headlines by declaring, “We do not trade with a country that commits genocide.”

The statement, delivered in Spain’s parliament, targeted Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. It has ignited global debate, highlighting Sánchez’s bold stance in international diplomacy.

The Context of the Statement

Sánchez spoke during a heated parliamentary session in Madrid, responding to questions about Spain’s foreign policy toward Israel. The session came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon drawing widespread criticism.

Sánchez accused Israel of committing genocide, a charge that aligns with growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions. His government has been vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinian civilians have died since October 2023. The statement reflects Spain’s broader push for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. Posts on X echoed the sentiment, with users praising Sánchez for his moral clarity, though some criticized Spain’s past arms exports to Israel.

Background of Spain-Israel Relations

Spain and Israel have maintained diplomatic and trade ties for decades, but relations have soured recently. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military response, Sánchez has taken a critical stance.

In 2024, Spain formally recognized Palestine as a state, prompting Israel to accuse Sánchez of inciting “Jewish genocide.” Spain also halted arms exports to Israel in 2023, though data shows 88 shipments of weapons and ammunition worth €5.3 million occurred between October 2023 and March 2025. Sánchez’s latest remarks build on his call in October 2024 to suspend the EU-Israel free trade agreement, citing human rights violations. These moves have positioned Spain as a vocal critic of Israel within the European Union.

Where and When It Happened

The statement was made on May 14, 2025, in Spain’s Congress of Deputies, the lower house of parliament, located in Madrid. The session was part of a regular government accountability debate, where lawmakers questioned Sánchez on domestic and foreign policy.

His comment came in response to a query about Spain’s trade relations with Israel. The timing is significant, as it follows months of protests in Spain and globally against Israel’s actions. Sánchez’s words were quickly amplified calling it a turning point in global diplomacy. The statement also aligns with Spain’s upcoming role in international summits, where Sánchez aims to push for Middle East peace talks.

Sánchez’s Role in International Diplomacy

Sánchez has emerged as a prominent figure in European and global diplomacy, often taking progressive stances. His leadership style emphasizes human rights and multilateralism, earning praise from some and criticism from others. In 2023, he condemned Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza, calling for international action.

His push to recognize Palestine and halt trade with Israel has made Spain a leader among EU nations advocating for Palestinian rights. However, critics, including Israeli officials, argue Sánchez’s rhetoric is one-sided and ignores Hamas’s role in the conflict.

At home, Sánchez faces political challenges, including a corruption scandal, which some say fuels his bold foreign policy to distract from domestic issues. Despite this, his stance resonates with many Spaniards, who support a humanitarian approach to global conflicts.

Global Reactions

Sánchez’s statement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters, especially in the Global South and among progressive groups, hail it as a courageous stand against injustice.

Social Media, users described him as “the new leader of Europe” for his moral clarity. Conversely, Israel’s government and its allies condemned the remarks, accusing Sánchez of bias and undermining bilateral ties.

The statement could strain Spain’s relations with pro-Israel nations like the United States. Economically, halting trade with Israel may have limited impact, as bilateral trade is modest. However, it signals Spain’s intent to lead on ethical foreign policy.

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