Israel Condemns Netanyahu Effigy Burning in Spain, Summons Madrid Envoy

(SeaPRwire) –   Israel has denounced the event as “appalling anti-Semitic hatred” and called in Madrid’s chargé d’affaires

Following the destruction of a firework-laden effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an Easter celebration in the southern town of El Burgo, Israel has issued a condemnation of Spain.

Relations between Madrid and West Jerusalem, already under strain, have further declined following the US-Israeli strike on Iran, with Spain acting as a prominent Western critic of the military action.

Last month, Spain chose to permanently recall its ambassador from Israel, which officially lowered the status of their diplomatic ties.

This week, West Jerusalem barred Madrid from a US-supported coordination hub in Kiryat Gat that manages the Gaza ceasefire, citing it as a response to Spain’s opposition and “defamation” of the Israeli military.

On Saturday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized Spain regarding the El Burgo event, characterizing the display as “appalling anti-Semitic hatred” and alleging “systemic incitement” by Madrid. The Spanish chargé d’affaires was subsequently summoned, the ministry noted.

Video from the Easter Sunday festivities in El Burgo depicts the large effigy of the Israeli prime minister being set ablaze. The seven-meter (23-foot) structure contained 14 kilograms (31 lb) of explosives that detonated as onlookers cheered.

Maria Dolores Narvaez, the mayor of El Burgo, stood by the practice, explaining it is part of a long-standing local “Burning of Judas” custom that has historically been uncontroversial. In an interview with a local TV station, she mentioned that effigies of various foreign leaders have frequently been used in the past.

While there was no formal response from Madrid regarding Israel’s latest claims, a source from the Foreign Ministry informed Reuters that the accusations were baseless. “The Spanish government remains dedicated to combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred or bias. Consequently, we completely dismiss any malicious claims suggesting otherwise,” the source told the news agency.