The Israeli government cuts the connection with the Spanish embassy in Israel and the Palestinians
The Israeli government announced today that it is taking a retaliatory measure against the Spanish government for Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine. Starting next May 28, the connection between the Spanish embassy in Israel and the Palestinians residing in the West Bank will be cut. This decision was taken in response to the statements of the vice president of the Spanish government, Yolanda Díaz, who made a pro-Palestinian appeal in a recent speech. The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, has reported that the consulate of Spain in Jerusalem has been prohibited from providing services to the Palestinians.
Spain’s answer
Spain’s response to this measure by Israel was immediate. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has expressed his disagreement with the decision of the Israeli government. In statements to RAC1, the minister has stated that they will analyze the decision and, if they consider that it is not correct, they will protest. Albares has defended the recognition of the Palestinian state as a historic decision to seek peace in the Middle East. Regarding the criticism of the Israeli government against Yolanda Díaz, the minister assured that the government of Spain does not have any hate or anti-Semitic speech and fights against anti-Semitism.
The context and the repercussions
The Spanish embassy in Israel has a consulate in Jerusalem that manages diplomatic ties with the Palestinian National Authority (ANP) and hosts the Spanish Cooperation Agency. This decision by Israel to cut the connection will affect the services provided to the Palestinians by the consulate of Spain. It should be noted that more than 140 countries, including eight European countries, recognize the Palestinian State. This situation has generated tensions and conflicts between the governments of Spain and Israel.
conclusion
The announcement by the Israeli government to cut the connection between the Spanish embassy in Israel and the Palestinians has increased the tension between the two governments. Spain’s response has been forceful, defending the recognition of the Palestinian state and rejecting accusations of anti-Semitism. This situation has important repercussions on the diplomatic relations between the two countries and on the situation in the Middle East.
