Spain announced Tuesday it will bar two far-right Israeli ministers from entering the country in a strong move that condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed the sanctions publicly at a press conference.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich face immediate entry bans on Spanish territory directly, marking a significant diplomatic escalation between the nations.
The announcement follows Spain recalling its ambassador from Tel Aviv just one day earlier, intensifying the row after Israel denied entry to two Spanish ministers. Furthermore, Israeli officials recently accused Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of antisemitism.
Sanchez, a socialist leader, described Israel’s war as genocide, as he remains one of Europe’s most outspoken critics on this issue. Last year, his government notably recognized a Palestinian state against European allies.
Trade and Aid Restrictions Expand
Sanchez declared Spain will formalize a ban on all military equipment sales to Israel, with his government set to approve a decree to consolidate this policy immediately. Spain has effectively enforced this restriction since Israel’s Gaza war began in October 2023.
Additionally, ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military cannot use Spanish ports anymore. Spain will also actively reduce air transport of military equipment heading to Israel, demonstrating Madrid’s firm stance.
Spain will prohibit importing products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, aiming to stop Palestinian forced displacement and preserve the two-state solution. Therefore, it directly challenges settlement expansion.
Consular services for residents in these settlements will shrink significantly too, as Spain will limit assistance strictly to the legally obligatory minimum level only. This policy change underscores Madrid’s commitment to Palestinian rights.
Sanchez explicitly stated: “All those participating directly in the genocide and war crimes in Gaza will be banned.” He included human rights violators within this sweeping prohibition clearly, with Spain acting decisively to hold perpetrators accountable.
Humanitarian Crisis Drives Policy
Israel’s actions in Gaza have caused immense suffering, according to Palestinian authorities, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 35,000 Palestinians killed and 78,000 injured so far. Most victims are women and children tragically.
Since March 2nd, Israel’s deadly blockade has triggered widespread famine across Gaza, with only minimal aid trickling through US- and Israeli-controlled points now. Israeli forces frequently opened fire on Palestinians waiting for food.
Consequently, the vast majority of Gaza lies flattened and destroyed completely, with approximately 90% of its 2.3 million Palestinians facing forced displacement repeatedly. Spain’s sanctions directly respond to this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.
