Spain's top diplomat has launched a fierce rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding his criticism of Madrid's position on the Gaza conflict as 'false and unacceptable'. The remarks have ignited a significant diplomatic firestorm between the two nations.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares took the extraordinary step of summoning Israel's ambassador to Spain, Rodica Radian-Gordon, to formally protest what he termed 'outrageous' comments made by Mr Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader had publicly criticised Spain's stance, suggesting it was aligning itself with Hamas militants. Mr Albares vehemently denied this characterisation, stating the Spanish government's position was firmly in support of peace and a two-state solution.
'We firmly reject these false and unacceptable claims,' Mr Albares declared in a strongly-worded statement. 'Such accusations do not reflect the reality of our position and are a serious misrepresentation of Spain's foreign policy.'
The diplomatic confrontation comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and several European countries regarding the conflict in Gaza. Spain has been among the more vocal critics of Israel's military operations in the region.
This incident represents one of the most public and direct confrontations between Spain and Israel since the conflict began, potentially signalling a further deterioration in relations between Jerusalem and some European Union member states.
The Spanish government has emphasised its commitment to international law and the protection of civilians in conflict zones, while maintaining its right to express criticism of military actions that result in significant civilian casualties.
