Spain Responds to Netanyahu’s Office, Summons Israeli Diplomat Over Accusations

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Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, has summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid after remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Spain. The Spanish foreign ministry announced the decision on Friday, describing Netanyahu’s comments as unacceptable.

Albares called in Dana Erlich, Israel’s top diplomat in Madrid, to convey Spain’s firm response. “We categorically reject the false and slanderous statements from the Israeli prime minister’s office,” the Spanish foreign ministry said in an official statement. The ministry emphasized that such remarks were not only inaccurate but also damaging to diplomatic relations.

The move followed a post issued by Netanyahu’s office on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. The statement accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of making “genocidal threats” after he announced new restrictions on arms and fuel shipments to Israel earlier in the week. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office suggested that Sanchez’s comments were of a dangerous and hostile nature.

On Monday, Prime Minister Sanchez announced tighter controls on the export of arms and fuel to Israel. The decision was presented as part of Spain’s policy review concerning international conflicts and humanitarian obligations. Netanyahu’s office sharply criticized the move, framing it as an aggressive action against Israel.

The diplomatic exchange marks a new point of friction between Madrid and Tel Aviv. Spain has been vocal in recent months on issues related to the Middle East, often calling for restraint and compliance with international humanitarian law. Israel, on the other hand, has been quick to respond to criticism, particularly from European nations.

Officials in Madrid have stated that Spain remains committed to its foreign policy stance while upholding dialogue with international partners. The summoning of Israel’s top diplomat highlights Spain’s determination to push back against what it sees as unfounded claims from Netanyahu’s government.