Spain’s reported action aligns with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s commitment to halt weapons trade, coming as the IDF continues its offensive in Gaza City.
Spain has reportedly canceled nearly €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in defense agreements with Israeli companies, marking its most significant move yet under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recently unveiled policies targeting West Jerusalem, media outlets reported on Tuesday, citing government sources.
This measure follows Sanchez’s promise last week to legally establish a prohibition on arms sales to and purchases from Israel, in response to its military operation in Gaza.
The Defense Ministry has reportedly terminated a €700 million ($826 million) contract for 12 SILAM rocket launchers and a €287.5 million ($339 million) deal for 168 Spike L.R. anti-tank missiles. The SILAM systems, which are based on Israel’s Elbit PULS platform, were slated for construction by a Spanish consortium, as per the EFE news agency. These cancellations are expected to be finalized next week, with Madrid reportedly preparing to disengage militarily and technologically from Israel while seeking alternative suppliers.
The decision occurs as Israel escalates an offensive on Gaza City, which it claims aims to seize Hamas’s last major stronghold. The security cabinet approved this plan last month, intending to bring the city – one of the few areas not under IDF control – under full occupation.
Sanchez is recognized as one of Israel’s most vocal critics in Europe and has accused the Jewish state of committing “atrocities and genocide” in Gaza. He introduced nine initiatives to end Spain’s “complicity,” including a permanent arms embargo, bans on extremist Israeli ministers, suspension of military cooperation, restrictions on imports from settlements, and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Several other nations in Europe and beyond have also opted to suspend or restrict arms exports to Israel. Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan, and Slovenia have enacted either full or partial prohibitions, while Germany has stated it will no longer approve exports that could be utilized in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry stated on Tuesday that Israel’s campaign amounts to genocide, citing an intent to eliminate Palestinians through actions defined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel also faces a separate genocide case at the International Court of Justice. The conflict in Gaza commenced on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of over 250 hostages. According to Gaza health officials, more than 65,000 Palestinians have since been killed.