Spain’s Foreign Minister has raised eyebrows recently regarding Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s comments about nuclear weapons. Just days after Sánchez remarked on lacking the military power to influence Israel’s actions, Sa’ar alleged that Sánchez was stirring up protests.
In a speech on September 8, Sánchez acknowledged Spain’s limited global influence. He pointed out that Spain lacks nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, and significant oil reserves, which he argued makes it challenging for the country to intervene in the Israeli conflict. His main message was a call for the international community to unite in order to protect civilian lives in Gaza.
Since 2023, tensions have escalated between Israel and Spain. Sánchez emerged as one of the EU’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7. Last year, Spain recognized Palestinian statehood and recently imposed strict measures against Israel, including a permanent arms embargo.
In response, Sa’ar accused the Spanish government of antisemitism and claimed it was diverting attention from domestic corruption scandals. He even barred two members of Sánchez’s cabinet from entering Israel, citing their alleged support for terrorism.
Protests have become a regular occurrence during this year’s Vuelta a España cycling race. Demonstrators have interrupted the race route, waving Palestinian flags and calling attention to Israel’s military actions. Several Spanish officials have voiced their support for these expressions of dissent.
This rise in activism isn’t isolated. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center indicates that global sentiment towards Israel has seen significant changes, with a growing number of people supporting Palestinian rights. In Spain specifically, a majority express concerns about human rights violations in Gaza, reflecting a deeper engagement with international issues.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the intersection of politics, human rights, and public sentiment is shaping the narrative in Spain—and likely will for the foreseeable future.
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Foreign policy,Israel,Palestine,Pedro Sánchez,Spain,Yolanda Díaz
