Israel has taken a firm stance against Spain’s recognition of an independent Palestinian state, prompting the prohibition of the Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem from serving Palestinians in the West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced this move following Spain’s declaration of support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Katz criticized Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Diaz, for what he called an “antisemitic call” to not only recognize a Palestinian state but also to “liberate Palestine from the river to the sea.” He emphasized that this statement led to the decision to sever ties between Spain’s representation in Israel and the Palestinians.
In response to Spain’s stance, Katz stated, “If this ignorant, hate-filled individual wants to understand what radical Islam truly seeks, she should study the 700 years of Islamic rule in Al-Andalus today’s Spain.”
Spain, along with Norway and Ireland, announced their intentions to recognize an independent Palestinian state, which Israel views as a rebuke over its actions in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories.
Katz had previously warned Spain of severe consequences if it pursued recognition of a Palestinian state. As a result, Israel recalled its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations. Katz reiterated Israel’s stance, emphasizing that the country will not remain passive in the face of actions undermining its sovereignty and security.
He criticized these countries for rewarding Hamas and Iran with recognition despite Hamas’s recent actions, including what he described as “the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”
While over 140 countries and the Holy See have recognized a Palestinian state, many Western European countries and the US have not. They argue that recognition should come through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, rather than unilateral measures by third parties.
Israel has strongly opposed international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state, insisting on direct negotiations with Palestinian leaders for a permanent solution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that establishing a Palestinian state would pose an “existential danger” to Israel.