The Spanish Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli representative over the situation in Gaza and concerns about human rights.

Summoning of the Israeli Diplomat in Madrid

On September 12, 2025, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares met with Israel’s chargé d’affaires Dan Erlich in Madrid. The main reason for this meeting was the statements made by the Israeli office towards Spain.

Erlich was summoned with the demand to “categorically refute the false and defamatory statements” from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The Israeli side accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of “genocidal threats,” referring to his recent statements about imposing new restrictions on the supply of weapons and fuel to the country.

Position of Spain and Israel

Pedro Sánchez justified his measures, noting that Spain does not possess nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, or significant oil reserves capable of exerting pressure on Israel regarding the cessation of “genocide” in Gaza. Despite this, Israel insists that its actions in Gaza are not genocide and intends to continue defending its position in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The American foreign policy department expressed concern about the restrictions imposed by Madrid on the supply of weapons and military fuel to Israel, as well as the ban on entry for Israeli ministers of national security and finance.

Reaction of the UAE

Recently, the United Arab Emirates also summoned the Israeli ambassador to discuss the situation. This step followed Israel’s attack on key Hamas leaders who were in Qatar. Thus, the dynamics of international relations in this region continue to become more complex.