Israel has expelled Spanish representatives from a key coordination centre overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Spain of waging a ‘diplomatic war’ against Israel, ordering the removal of its officials from the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat.
In a strongly worded statement, Netanyahu warned that countries criticising Israel’s actions would face repercussions.
‘Whoever attacks the State of Israel instead of terrorist regimes will not be our partner in the future of the region,’ he said.
‘I will not tolerate this hypocrisy or hostility… no country will wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.’
Israeli authorities said the decision was driven by what they described as a ‘clear anti-Israel bias’ from the Spanish government.
Spain pushed back
Spain has defended its position, insisting it has simply called for respect for international law, including the protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty and UN peacekeeping forces, while criticising Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares dismissed Israel’s accusations as ‘absurd and defamatory’.
He also accused Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
What is the CMCC?
The coordination centre in Kiryat Gat was set up as part of a US-backed initiative to monitor ceasefire efforts and support the eventual stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza.
Spain’s removal marks a significant rupture in cooperation at a sensitive moment.
Relations at breaking point
Ties between Madrid and Tel Aviv have been deteriorating since the Hamas attacks of October 7 and Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza.
The scale of the conflict, which has killed tens of thousands, has drawn increasing criticism from the Spanish government.
Israel, in turn, has accused Spain of undermining its military operations and damaging the reputation of its armed forces.
