Israel bans consular services to Palestinians in retaliation for recognition of Palestinian state
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has ordered the Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem to stop providing consular services as of June 1 to Palestinians ‘residents under the Palestinian Authority’, in retaliation for the recognition of the Palestinian State.
In a diplomatic note sent to the embassy, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, formalizes this ban, which he already announced last Friday as punishment for Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian State.
Declarations and punitive measures
Minister Katz stated that ‘the days of the Inquisition are over’ and formally announced the first ‘punitive measures against Spain’. According to these measures, Israel prohibits the Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem from ‘carrying out consular activities or providing consular services to residents under the Palestinian Authority’, although it clarified that the measure does not apply to people with Spanish nationality.
In addition, Minister Katz published a video with typical images of Spain, in which two actors parody flamenco dancing, interspersed with images of the Hamas attack on Israel, accompanied by the message ‘Hamas appreciates your services’ mentioning President Pedro Sánchez.
Announcement from Spain, Ireland and Norway
Spain, Ireland and Norway announced the recognition of the Palestinian State, which provoked the anger of Israel, which called its ambassadors in these three countries for consultations and called for a ‘reprimand’ to its diplomatic representatives.
During a joint press conference, the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, declared that ‘recognizing the Palestinian State is justice for its people, it is the best guarantee of security for Israel and it is indispensable.’
Recognition of the Palestinian State
More than 140 countries recognize the Palestinian state, including eight European countries and almost all Arab countries or those historically linked to the non-aligned movement. In addition, Palestine is a full member of several international organizations.
