Spain's Political Shift Could Restore Ties With Israel, Advocates Say

Relations between Israel and Spain are currently at a low point, but this could change with a potential shift in Spanish government, according to representatives of the Hispano-Israeli organization ACOM. Speaking at the J50 Forum in Jerusalem, ACOM founder and president Ángel Mas stated that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's hardline stance against Israel is primarily driven by domestic politics and does not reflect the views of all Spaniards. Mas believes a change in government could quickly alter bilateral relations, citing the precedent set by the government of José María Aznar. Under Sánchez, Spain recognized Palestine, imposed an arms embargo, and joined other nations in banning goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Tensions recently escalated when Sánchez accused Israel and Russia of spreading disinformation regarding the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, though he later retracted the accusation.

Despite the government's policies, Spain's judicial system continues to prosecute individuals involved in protests against Israeli representatives. Over a year after protests disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling race, more than 100 administrative sanctions and fines remain in effect, and seven individuals in the Basque Country face criminal charges. Concurrently, antisemitic incidents in Spain have risen by 14%. While some cities, like Barcelona, have moved to sever ties with Israel, including canceling a sister city agreement with Tel Aviv, academic institutions have shown more complex behavior. Twenty Spanish universities publicly announced a suspension of ties, but an investigation revealed they continue to participate in 28 European Horizon Europe projects with Israeli companies and organizations, as breaking these agreements could lead to significant fines and legal action. ACOM has filed appeals to the Spanish Supreme Court regarding these issues.

Attention is now focused on Spain's political landscape, with general elections scheduled for 2027. Sánchez's coalition lacks a majority, making budget and key law votes potential challenges. The center-right People's Party (PP), led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, is currently leading in polls. The PP would likely need support from the nationalist Vox party, a prospect that concerns some moderate voters. A PP victory could signal a significant warming of relations with Israel, as the party traditionally favors pro-Western policies and has previously criticized Sánchez's approach to Israel. Such a change could restore a more balanced policy and re-establish Israel as a key Spanish partner in the Mediterranean.