Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador from Israel in response to its opposition to the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, deepening a diplomatic rift between the two countries. The Spanish government officially terminated the ambassador’s post, as published in its official gazette, and announced that its embassy in Tel Aviv will now be led indefinitely by a chargé d’affaires.
Escalation Follows Previous Diplomatic Actions
Spain had initially recalled its ambassador in September 2025 after Israel condemned Spain’s decision to block aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using Spanish ports or airspace. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Spain’s action as antisemitic. The diplomatic tension intensified amid ongoing military operations by Israel and the United States targeting Iran, which Spain opposes.
Reactions from U.S. Officials and Political Figures
President Donald Trump criticized Spain’s stance, asserting to reporters that Spain has not been cooperating with the U.S. and suggesting possible trade consequences. He further accused Spain of underpaying on NATO commitments while praising the Spanish people separately from their leaders. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham described Spain’s permanent withdrawal of its ambassador as difficult to accept, emphasizing the joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, which he labeled a religious regime posing a significant threat to regional stability.
Worsening Spain-Israel Relations Amid Regional Conflict
Relations between Spain and Israel have steadily deteriorated since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Israel downgraded its diplomatic presence in Spain after Madrid recognized a Palestinian state in 2025. This latest diplomatic fallout over the Iran strikes marks a significant step in the escalating tensions between the two nations.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
