Spain Summons Israeli Envoy Over Netanyahu Office’s Genocidal Threat Remark

Spain's Foreign Ministry summoned Israel's acting ambassador, Dana Erlich, on Friday to protest statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office accusing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of issuing a "blatant genocidal threat." Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares categorically rejected the claims as "false and slanderous," according to an unnamed ministry official. The move escalates an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two nations, triggered by Spain's recent actions to pressure Israel over its military operations in Gaza.

The controversy stems from Sánchez's televised address on Monday, where he outlined measures to curb Israel's offensive but emphasized Spain's limited leverage. "Spain, as you know, doesn't have nuclear bombs, nor aircraft carriers or large oil reserves. We alone can't stop the Israeli offensive," Sánchez stated. Netanyahu's office interpreted these remarks as a threat, posting on X that Sánchez's words constituted a genocidal warning against Israel. This interpretation has fueled mutual recriminations, with both countries viewing the other's positions as provocative.

In response to the Gaza conflict, Sánchez announced an embargo on weapons, ammunition, and military equipment involving Israel, alongside a ban on fuel deliveries transiting Spanish ports destined for Israel. These steps reflect Spain's vocal opposition to the war, which began after Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and took 251 hostages in attacks on October 7, 2023. Israel has since launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, though it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

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The summoning follows a series of retaliatory measures, including Spain and Israel each barring two ministers from the opposing country from entering their territories. As a strong critic of Israel's actions, Spain has joined other European nations in advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. This latest exchange underscores deepening rifts in international relations amid the protracted Gaza crisis, with potential implications for broader EU-Israeli ties.

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