Spain imposes full arms embargo on Israel, citing Gaza civilian deaths

Spain’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the high civilian death toll in Gaza.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo described the decision as a clear demonstration of Spain’s “political commitment and international leadership in defending human rights,” according to El País.

The embargo—first announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez—goes beyond earlier partial restrictions. It includes a ban on arms exports, fuel transit, and imports of goods and services from Israeli-occupied territories. Spain becomes the first European nation to enact such wide-ranging measures, with officials saying the move could set a precedent for the EU.

Left-wing coalition partner Sumar welcomed the decision, calling it historic. But Podemos leader Ione Belarra criticized the delay, saying, “Embargoes are imposed before war crimes happen, not after 60,000 innocent deaths.”

The conservative opposition People’s Party (PP) has yet to take a firm position, with parliamentary spokesperson Ester Muñoz warning of possible risks to Spain’s security, given that many components used by Spanish forces come from Israel.

Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to recognizing Palestine and advancing a two-state solution, recalling Sánchez’s recent remarks at the United Nations.

The decision follows Spain’s earlier nine-point sanctions package unveiled in September, whose approval had been postponed for technical and legal reasons.