Spanish Parliament Approves Consideration of Arms Trade Ban with Israel
The Spanish Parliament's decision coincides with increased European pressure on Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
On May 20, 2025, the Spanish Parliament voted to consider a proposal to ban arms trade with Israel, marking a significant political stance amidst growing European calls for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the prolonged conflict.
The proposal, introduced by leftist and nationalist parties, seeks to halt the sale of arms to countries involved in alleged genocide, explicitly naming Israel in the context of the conflict.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for consistency in international cultural participation, proposing that Israel be excluded from events like the Eurovision Song Contest, similar to the exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Sánchez, a member of the Socialist Party and a long-time critic of Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, articulated a firm position against engaging with states accused of committing mass atrocities.
In a related move, the Spanish government announced the unilateral cancellation of a contract for purchasing ammunition from an Israeli company, reinforcing its stance as it stated it would not grant import licenses for Israeli ammunition.
This decision forms part of a broader reassessment of military cooperation with Israel, as the government indicated a legal review of the implications of the contract cancellation.
Additionally, the Spanish authorities confirmed that all existing arms deals with Israeli companies signed before October 7, 2023, would be rendered void, reflecting the country’s refusal to pursue military collaboration following the escalation of violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Sánchez previously called on the international community to halt arms sales to Israel.
The Israeli government responded to Spain’s actions by barring its consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians after Spain formally recognized the state of Palestine.
Furthermore, Sánchez urged European Union member states to support Spain’s request to suspend the EU-Israel free trade agreement, citing ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.
In a separate but related context, two vessels suspected of transporting weapons and military supplies to Israel were denied access to Spanish ports in November 2024. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis marked by significant casualties, including over 175,000 dead or injured, predominantly women and children, continues to evolve amidst sustained U.S. backing for Israeli military operations.
The proposal, introduced by leftist and nationalist parties, seeks to halt the sale of arms to countries involved in alleged genocide, explicitly naming Israel in the context of the conflict.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for consistency in international cultural participation, proposing that Israel be excluded from events like the Eurovision Song Contest, similar to the exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Sánchez, a member of the Socialist Party and a long-time critic of Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, articulated a firm position against engaging with states accused of committing mass atrocities.
In a related move, the Spanish government announced the unilateral cancellation of a contract for purchasing ammunition from an Israeli company, reinforcing its stance as it stated it would not grant import licenses for Israeli ammunition.
This decision forms part of a broader reassessment of military cooperation with Israel, as the government indicated a legal review of the implications of the contract cancellation.
Additionally, the Spanish authorities confirmed that all existing arms deals with Israeli companies signed before October 7, 2023, would be rendered void, reflecting the country’s refusal to pursue military collaboration following the escalation of violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Sánchez previously called on the international community to halt arms sales to Israel.
The Israeli government responded to Spain’s actions by barring its consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians after Spain formally recognized the state of Palestine.
Furthermore, Sánchez urged European Union member states to support Spain’s request to suspend the EU-Israel free trade agreement, citing ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.
In a separate but related context, two vessels suspected of transporting weapons and military supplies to Israel were denied access to Spanish ports in November 2024. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis marked by significant casualties, including over 175,000 dead or injured, predominantly women and children, continues to evolve amidst sustained U.S. backing for Israeli military operations.
