Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv
Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv
Spain’s government has officially removed its ambassador to Israel, Ana Sálomon, from her post. This move was confirmed in the state’s official gazette on Tuesday, following approval by the Council of Ministers. As a result, the country will temporarily operate its embassy in Tel Aviv without a permanent ambassador, relying instead on a chargé d’affaires for diplomatic representation.
The decision follows a series of escalating disputes between Madrid and Tel Aviv. In September 2023, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez introduced measures to halt what he called a genocide in Gaza, a conflict that intensified after Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel on October 7. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by accusing Sánchez of antisemitism and restricting entry for two of his ministers to Israel.
“The war in Gaza represents a genocide,” stated Sánchez, prompting a sharp reaction from Israel.
Spain’s actions appear to be a reciprocal move after Israel recalled its own ambassador to Madrid in May 2024. The Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, had previously withdrawn its envoy following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state. Despite initial plans to appoint a replacement, the chosen candidate resigned to take another position, leaving the ambassadorial role vacant.
Currently, the diplomatic mission in Madrid is managed by Chargé d’Affaires Dana Erlich. The dismissal of Sálomon marks a new phase in the bilateral relationship, which has been deteriorating since Israel’s actions in Gaza and Spain’s alignment with Palestinian causes.
