Spain Permanently Withdraws Ambassador from Israel Amid Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel amid worsening diplomatic tensions over the Gaza war and recent U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran. Relations between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have deteriorated due to Spain’s criticism of Israel’s military actions and its recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, marking a significant escalation in the diplomatic standoff between the two countries. The decision came six months after the ambassador had initially been recalled for consultations. The tension between the two governments, which first intensified due to the ongoing war in Gaza, has once again gained momentum following the most recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
According to Spain’s official government gazette published on Wednesday, the decision to permanently withdraw the ambassador had already been taken the previous day. The move officially ended the tenure of Ambassador Ana Maria Salomon Perez until further notice. The proposal to terminate the diplomatic posting was made by Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, and the documentation confirmed that the measure had also been formally approved and signed by Felipe VI, the King of Spain.
With the ambassadorial position now vacant, the Spanish Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to operate under the leadership of a charge d’affaires rather than a full ambassador. This arrangement indicates that diplomatic relations between the two countries remain downgraded and tense.
The withdrawal of the ambassador represents the latest development in the deteriorating relationship between the governments led by Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister of Spain, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel. Relations between the two nations have steadily worsened since the attacks of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Spain’s government under Sánchez has become one of the most vocal critics within Europe regarding the military actions carried out by Netanyahu’s administration. Spanish officials have repeatedly condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza and have gone as far as accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians in the enclave.
The diplomatic tension deepened further in 2024 when Israel responded to Spain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood by withdrawing its own ambassador from Madrid. The decision created a major rift between the two governments and signaled a breakdown in diplomatic trust.
Ambassador Perez had already been recalled to Spain in September of the previous year following another diplomatic dispute. The row erupted after Spain implemented measures prohibiting aircraft and ships from using Spanish airspace or ports if they were carrying weapons destined for Israel. Israel’s foreign minister at the time, Gideon Sa'ar, strongly condemned the Spanish decision and described it as antisemitic, further intensifying the dispute between the two countries.
Prime Minister Sánchez has also been outspoken in criticizing the recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. He described the attacks as violations of international law and raised the issue prominently during recent local election campaigns in Spain. In response to these statements, Sa'ar accused the Spanish government of “standing with tyrants” by opposing the strikes on Iran.
Sánchez’s position on the conflict has also created friction with Donald Trump, the president of the United States. Trump has publicly criticized Spain’s stance on the war and has threatened to cut all trade ties with the European Union member state if its opposition to the conflict continues.