Spain’s PM Proposes Abandoning Association Agreement with Israel
On Sunday, Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to suggest to the European Union that Spain “abandon” its association agreement with Israel, citing the ongoing situation in Iran as the catalyst for this decision.
This declaration came during a press conference. During a meeting of the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) in Gibraleón, Sánchez indicated that Spain would be proposing to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he “stop” the ongoing conflict in Iran, particularly ahead of upcoming regional elections in Andalusia.
Sánchez characterized the war in Iran as a “huge mistake,” asserting that it has led to the loss of thousands of lives, forced millions to flee within the Middle East, and resulted in substantial economic setbacks for Spain.
“That’s why I urge those who initiated this conflict to stop and to hold Prime Minister Netanyahu accountable,” Sánchez remarked.
“And I’ll go further. This Tuesday, the Spanish government will propose to the EU the termination of the Association Agreement with Israel,” he revealed.
He emphasized that this proposal was being made “not out of hostility towards Israel, but rather in friendship with the Israeli people,” stressing that the actions of the Israeli government do not align with Spain’s values.
“A government that violates international law and the principles of the European Union cannot remain a partner within the EU,” Sánchez argued, urging support from other EU nations for Spain’s stance.
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Sánchez’s announcement as “hypocritical,” voicing his discontent through a social media post that included an image referencing a sticker used by Iranian propaganda in March, thanking Sánchez for his opposition to the war.
In his message, Saar expressed resistance to the “hypocritical rhetoric” from leaders linked to “totalitarian regimes” known for human rights violations, drawing attention to Spain’s perceived double standards. “We hold no animosity towards the Spanish people; rather, we reject the double standards of the Pedro Sánchez government,” he said.
Spain’s proposal is expected to encounter challenges. Unanimous consensus among the EU’s 27 member states would be required for any significant changes to the existing association agreement with Israel.
