Spain Withdraws Ambassador from Israel Permanently

The Spanish government has announced the withdrawal of its ambassador from Israel. The decision has been taken as a protest measure against Israeli military strikes in Iran and Gaza.

“Upon the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and following deliberation by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on 10 March 2026, I hereby order the termination of the appointment of Ms Ana María Sálomon Pérez as Spanish Ambassador to the State of Israel,” according to the announcement reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday (12 March 2026).

Spain is known to be among the European Union’s principal critics of the genocidal war waged by Israel in Gaza and the new conflict against Iran launched by the United States and Israel.

Following the departure of its ambassador, the Spanish Embassy in Israel will be headed by a chargé d’affaires.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is among the few left-wing leaders in Europe to condemn the US-Israel military action against Iran. Sánchez stated that the strikes “cannot be justified” and said that Madrid’s position is “against war”.

The Sánchez government is also among the few European nations that have consistently condemned Israeli actions in Gaza. In October, the Spanish parliament approved legislation implementing a comprehensive weapons embargo against Israel, permanently prohibiting the sale of weapons, dual-use technology, and military equipment in response to the genocide.