In a significant move reflecting Spain’s critical stance toward Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Spanish parliament on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, passed a government decree formalizing a complete arms embargo on Israel. This decree, part of a broader package of sanctions announced in September, underscores Spain’s position as one of Israel’s most vocal critics within the European Union. The measure, which passed narrowly with support from left-wing and regional allies, including the far-left Podemos party, marks a bold step in Spain’s foreign policy and has sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally.
The decree, as outlined by the Spanish government, imposes a comprehensive ban on the export and import of all defense-related materials and dual-use technology to and from Israel. Dual-use technology refers to items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, making this embargo notably broad in scope. Additionally, the measure prohibits ships and aircraft carrying fuel or materials intended for potential military use from entering Spanish ports or airspace. This restriction aims to prevent Spain from being used as a transit hub for military supplies destined for Israel, reinforcing the country’s commitment to halting any direct or indirect support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The vote in parliament was a contentious affair, passing narrowly after intense negotiations and last-minute support from Podemos, a key left-wing ally of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s coalition government. Podemos leader Ione Belarra, who had kept her party’s position ambiguous until the final hours, ultimately endorsed the decree but called for even stronger measures. Belarra criticized the government for what she described as insufficient action, labeling the embargo a “fake embargo” in earlier statements. She accused the Sanchez administration of continuing to honor existing arms contracts with Israel and allowing four ships carrying U.S. military equipment bound for Israel to dock in Spanish ports, despite the embargo’s implementation last month. Belarra demanded the cancellation of all existing contracts and a complete severance of diplomatic and economic ties with Israel to fully align Spain’s policies with its stated commitment to Palestinian rights.
The parliamentary debate on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, highlighted the polarized views within Spain’s political landscape. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo defended the embargo as a “firm step and pioneering at an international level,” emphasizing that it positions Spain as a leader in advocating for accountability in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Cuerpo argued that the measure sends a clear message to the international community about Spain’s commitment to human rights and international law. Defense Minister Margarita Robles further supported the decree, describing it as “the final step in a long process” that began immediately after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and triggered the current escalation of violence in Gaza. Robles noted that Spain halted the sale of military materials to Israel on that very day, framing the embargo as a continuation of the country’s principled stance.
However, the decree faced strong opposition from Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party, both of which argued against the measure. The PP criticized the embargo as an overreach that could harm Spain’s diplomatic relations and economic interests, while Vox denounced it as an anti-Israel move that fails to address the complexities of the conflict, including Hamas’s role in initiating violence. The opposition’s resistance underscores the divisive nature of Spain’s foreign policy shift, which has placed it at odds with other Western nations that maintain closer ties with Israel.
The timing of the vote also stirred controversy. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the vote was postponed by one day to avoid coinciding with the second anniversary of the Hamas attack. Israel’s Embassy in Madrid sharply criticized the initial scheduling, calling it “perverse and inhuman” and accusing Spain of insensitivity toward the victims of the attack. The decision to delay the vote was seen as an attempt to mitigate diplomatic fallout, but it did little to quell criticism from Israel and its supporters, who view Spain’s actions as disproportionately targeting Israel while ignoring Hamas’s aggression.
The arms embargo is part of a broader sanctions package adopted by Sanchez’s government in September 2025, which reflects Spain’s growing alignment with the Palestinian cause. In addition to the arms embargo, the package includes a ban on imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, a move aimed at economically isolating these settlements and signaling Spain’s opposition to their expansion. The sanctions also include provisions for increased humanitarian assistance to Palestine, aimed at addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the Israeli military campaign has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
Spain’s decision to impose a total arms embargo comes in the context of its broader critique of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have drawn international condemnation for their humanitarian impact. The Gaza conflict, reignited by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, has led to a devastating Israeli military response that has killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced many more, according to international reports. Spain has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and has advocated for a two-state solution, positioning itself as a leading voice in the EU for Palestinian rights. The embargo aligns with these efforts, signaling Spain’s intent to take concrete action rather than relying solely on diplomatic rhetoric.
The international implications of Spain’s embargo are significant. By taking such a bold stance, Spain is setting a precedent that could encourage other EU nations to adopt similar measures, potentially shifting the bloc’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it also risks straining relations with Israel and its key allies, particularly the United States, which has continued to provide military support to Israel. The accusation by Podemos that U.S. military ships were allowed to dock in Spanish ports highlights the challenges of enforcing the embargo in practice, especially given Spain’s NATO membership and its reliance on U.S. cooperation in defense matters.
Domestically, the embargo has further polarized Spain’s political landscape. Supporters, including left-wing and regional parties, view it as a moral necessity and a reflection of Spain’s commitment to international law and human rights. Critics, including the PP and Vox, argue that it undermines Spain’s strategic interests and unfairly singles out Israel while ignoring the actions of Hamas and other actors in the region. The narrow passage of the decree underscores the fragile coalition dynamics within Sanchez’s government, which relies on the support of diverse parties with differing priorities.
The embargo also raises questions about its practical implementation and long-term impact. While the ban on arms exports and imports is clear, enforcing restrictions on ships and aircraft carrying military materials could prove challenging, particularly in cases involving third countries like the United States. Moreover, the economic impact of the embargo on Spain’s defense industry, which has historically engaged in limited trade with Israel, remains uncertain. Critics of the decree argue that it could harm Spanish businesses without significantly affecting Israel’s military capabilities, given Israel’s access to other suppliers.
In conclusion, Spain’s parliamentary approval of a total arms embargo on Israel represents a bold and controversial step in its foreign policy. By banning all defense and dual-use technology trade with Israel and restricting military-related transit through its territory, Spain is taking a firm stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The measure, part of a broader sanctions package, reflects Spain’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and challenging what it sees as violations of international law. However, the narrow vote, domestic opposition, and international criticism highlight the complexities and challenges of this approach. As Spain navigates the diplomatic and economic ramifications of its decision, the embargo is likely to remain a focal point of debate both at home and abroad, shaping the country’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its standing within the international community.
