Israel Condemns Spanish Minister's Call for Israel's Elimination

Israel's Foreign Ministry summoned Spain's charge d'affaires in Jerusalem, Francisca Pedrós, on Thursday to protest a statement by Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego. Rego had stated that the Spanish public supports the creation of a Palestinian state "from the river to the sea." Israel interprets this slogan as a call for the elimination of the State of Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, represented by Gilad Cohen, head of the politico-strategic department, lodged a formal protest, viewing Rego's remarks as part of a systematic policy by the Spanish government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Rego had previously not condemned the October 7th attacks and was banned from entering Israel in September 2025. Jerusalem believes such statements reflect the current Spanish leadership's course of supporting concepts that imply Israel's destruction. Israeli officials pointed to Madrid's inconsistency, noting that Spain criticizes Israel's right to self-defense against threats from Iran and Hamas.

Israeli authorities declared that the Spanish government has lost its moral compass and, instead of countering terrorism, has made Israel a target of constant attacks within its foreign policy. The summons was ordered by Foreign Minister Gidon Saar.