Madrid, April 19: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has made a bold statement regarding Israel. He announced that Spain will urge the European Union to terminate its Association Agreement with Israel due to alleged violations of international law.
The Times of Israel reported this news based on Spanish media sources. During a political rally in Andalusia, Sánchez clarified his stance, stating, “On Tuesday, the Spanish government will present a proposal to the EU to break its Association Agreement with Israel,” which has been in effect since June 2000.
In recent months, particularly following the Iran conflict, Sánchez has been openly critical of Israel. He accused the nation of “blatantly violating international law” and asserted that it cannot be a partner of the European Union.
This is not the first time Sánchez has voiced his opposition to Israel. Previously, he expressed his concerns on social media, advocating for the suspension of the Association Agreement. This post was made on April 8, the same day Israel launched a surprise attack on Lebanon, resulting in 254 casualties. In that post, he condemned the attack and called for the suspension of the agreement. Furthermore, he summoned Israeli diplomats in protest against the attacks on peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
Since the onset of the Iran conflict on March 28, the Spanish government has taken a clear stance against the U.S. and Israel, leading to heightened tensions in their relations. The statements made by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, have also garnered significant attention. He addressed parliament, stating that the strike on Iran is an attack on “the foundations of modern civilization.”
Albares emphasized, “We are facing the greatest attack on a civilization built on humanitarian ideals of reason, peace, understanding, and universal law, rather than on the misuse of power, coercion, and arbitrariness.”
Spain has consistently accused Israel of breaching international law. Sánchez has been opposed to the conflict from the beginning and had even denied U.S. fighter jets access to its airspace.
Leave a Comment