Israel has expelled Spain from a US-backed coordination center in Kiryat Gat that oversees the Gaza ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday. The move follows Madrid’s sharp criticism of Israeli strikes on Lebanon earlier this week, which Spain condemned as violations of international law and the ceasefire.
Netanyahu accused Spain of repeatedly opposing Israel and “defaming” Israeli Defence Forces soldiers, calling them “the most moral army in the world.” He said the expulsion was immediate punishment for what he described as Spain’s diplomatic attacks on Israel.
The Israeli strikes on Lebanon on April 8, codenamed “Operation Eternal Darkness,” came hours after a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced. The IDF said it targeted around 100 Hezbollah positions, killing over 180 militants. Lebanese authorities reported at least 357 deaths, mostly civilians, and more than 1,223 wounded.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the strikes “intolerable,” citing contempt for life and international law. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares accused Israel of “indiscriminate bombings” targeting civilians under the guise of fighting Hezbollah. Spain has also downgraded diplomatic ties with Israel and closed its airspace to US aircraft linked to the conflict.
Tensions escalated further after Spain announced it would reopen its embassy in Tehran and return its ambassador, aiming to support de-escalation efforts. Iranian and US negotiators are in Islamabad for high-stakes talks described by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a “make-or-break moment” to turn the fragile ceasefire into a broader agreement.
Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived with goodwill but deep mistrust, citing two US attacks on Iran within a year during negotiations. US Vice President J.D. Vance, leading the American team, warned Iran against “playing” the US during talks.
The diplomatic rift highlights growing international divisions over the conflict, with Spain positioning itself as a vocal critic of Israeli military actions while Israel tightens its response to diplomatic opposition.
