Spain's state television reported that the Spanish Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli Chargé d'Affaires in Madrid on Thursday to protest what it called an "unacceptable" statement. The Israeli diplomat had accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of "leading a hostile campaign" against Israel.

The official broadcaster added that Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoned the acting head of the Israeli embassy to protest a post on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, the diplomat described Sánchez's call to European leaders - during their meeting in Brussels earlier that day - to suspend the partnership agreement with Israel and impose an arms embargo as "morally unjustifiable."

Growing Diplomatic Tensions
This marks the third time Spain's Foreign Ministry has summoned Israel's Chargé d'Affaires, as Israel has had no ambassador in Madrid for over a year. The previous ambassador, Rodica Radian-Gordon, was recalled by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in May 2023 after Spain announced its recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

The most recent summons occurred earlier this month to protest the detention of a Spanish activist aboard the "Madelin" ship attempting to break the humanitarian blockade on Gaza.

In May, Minister Albares had summoned then Chargé d'Affaires Dan Porath to condemn an attack on a diplomatic delegation - including Spanish representatives - during their visit to Jenin refugee camp.