The Israeli government’s announcement
Tensions between the governments of Spain and Israel have increased following Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine. The Israeli government has retaliated by announcing that it is cutting the connection between the Spanish embassy in Israel and the Palestinians residing in the West Bank. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has announced that the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem has been prohibited from providing services to the Palestinians, describing Spain’s recognition as an ‘anti-Semitic call’.
The Israeli minister has also criticized the statements of the vice president of the Spanish Government, Yolanda Díaz, who expressed her support for Palestine with the slogan ‘from the river to the sea’. These statements have been considered anti-Semitic by Israel, generating strong discontent.
Spain’s response
The Spanish embassy in Israel, located in Tel Aviv, and its consulate in Jerusalem, which acts as an embassy for the Palestinians, have been affected by this measure. Spain joins more than 140 countries that recognize the Palestinian State, a decision that has generated a new diplomatic conflict.
Spain’s response has not been long in coming. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has expressed his disagreement with the decision of the Israeli government. He has defended the recognition of the Palestinian state as a historic measure to seek peace in the Middle East. Furthermore, he has rejected accusations of anti-Semitism, ensuring that the Spanish government fights against hatred and anti-Semitism.