Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a blistering attack against Spain's leadership, accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of making what he termed 'genocidal' threats against the Jewish state. The extraordinary diplomatic confrontation erupted after alleged comments about Israel's nuclear capabilities.
Explosive Allegations
Netanyahu claimed that Sánchez had threatened to potentially 'stop Israel with nuclear bombs' during discussions about the Middle Eastern nation's defence capabilities. The Israeli leader described the remarks as crossing a dangerous red line in international diplomacy.
Diplomatic Fallout
The allegations have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, with Netanyahu stating: 'This is a shameful, horrible and unacceptable statement.' The Israeli government has demanded clarification from Madrid while warning that such rhetoric could have severe consequences for bilateral relations.
Nuclear Ambiguity Policy
Israel has maintained a policy of nuclear ambiguity for decades, neither confirming nor denying possession of atomic weapons. The country is widely believed to possess nuclear capabilities, though it has never officially acknowledged this. Netanyahu's decision to publicly address these sensitive matters marks a significant departure from this long-standing policy.
International Reactions
The controversy comes amid growing international scrutiny of Israel's defence policies and ongoing tensions in the region. European leaders have been increasingly vocal about Middle East security concerns, but direct references to nuclear capabilities remain exceptionally rare among allied nations.
What Happens Next?
Analysts suggest this confrontation could significantly strain Spain-Israel relations and potentially affect broader EU-Middle East diplomacy. The Spanish government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to Netanyahu's allegations, leaving room for further escalation or potential reconciliation efforts.
