In a significant diplomatic victory for the Israeli government, Spain's National Court has officially closed its criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over allegations of espionage.
The probe, which had been examining the alleged use of Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to target Spanish politicians and citizens, was terminated by Judge José Luis Calama. The ruling cited Mr. Netanyahu's entitlement to immunity as a serving head of government, a status formally recognised by Spain.
A Case Dismissed on Grounds of Immunity
The investigation was launched following a complaint by the Spanish citizens' rights group Pegasus Project. It alleged that software from the Israeli company NSO Group was used to infiltrate the mobile devices of several high-profile Spanish figures, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles.
However, Judge Calama's ruling was unequivocal. It stated that "the recognition of immunity falls on Benjamin Netanyahu in his capacity as Prime Minister of Israel", effectively shielding him from the jurisdiction of the Spanish court while he remains in office.
Wider Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
While this case against the Israeli premier is closed, the court's wider investigation into the use of Pegasus spyware continues. The ruling specifically noted that the closure "does not prevent the investigation from continuing in relation to other people not protected by immunity".
The controversial Pegasus software can gain complete access to a mobile device, harvesting messages, photos, and location data, and can even activate the camera and microphone remotely. Its alleged use against Spanish officials had sparked a major political and legal scandal in the country.
This decision provides a moment of relief for Mr. Netanyahu, who faces a separate and ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into potential war crimes. The Spanish court's dismissal sets a precedent for his claimed immunity in other international legal arenas.
