Israeli FM lashes out at Spain's Sanchez, calls him 'antisemite, liar'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Sep 2025 21:13

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attacked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as "an antisemite" and "a liar" after Sanchez condemned Western double standards and introduced sweeping measures against "Israel" over its Gaza genocide.

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"Israel's" Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar talks with journalists as he arrives for the EU-Southern Neighbourhood ministerial meeting at the EU Council building in Brussels, Monday, July 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Monday lashed out at Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, smearing him as "an antisemite" and "a liar" after the Spanish leader denounced Western double standards in responding to the ongoing massacre in Gaza.

Sanchez had earlier pointed out that Russia was swiftly expelled from international competitions for its war in Ukraine, yet "Israel" has faced no such repercussions despite carrying out mass killings and devastation in Gaza. "There is a difference between defending your country and bombing hospitals or starving innocent children," Sanchez said in a televised address, describing "Israel's" actions as "the extermination of a defenseless people and a violation of every international law."

Saar responded on X by attempting to deflect responsibility, writing: "An antisemite and a liar."

Spain leads European calls for accountability

Relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv have sharply deteriorated. On September 8, Spain announced a sweeping package of measures aimed at holding "Israel" accountable and halting what Sanchez openly called "genocide in Gaza." These included a permanent arms embargo, bans on ships and planes delivering fuel or weapons to "Israel," prohibitions on settlement products, and entry bans on Israeli officials complicit in war crimes. Spain also boosted humanitarian funding for Gaza and expanded support to UNRWA.

Tel Aviv rejected the measures as "antisemitic" and retaliated by targeting Spanish ministers Yolanda Diaz and Sira Rego with sanctions. Madrid dismissed the accusations, condemning "Israel's" punitive response and stressing that its policies are grounded in international law and humanitarian obligations.

A broader campaign against impunity

Sanchez has become one of Europe's strongest voices against "Israel's" atrocities, consistently describing its assault on Gaza as genocide. His government recognized the State of Palestine in 2024 and has pushed EU partners to adopt tougher trade and diplomatic measures against Tel Aviv. Recently, Spain also called for "Israel" to be barred from international sporting competitions, echoing the treatment of Russia after Ukraine.

That demand was echoed during the Vuelta a España, where massive pro-Palestinian protests forced the cancellation of the race’s final stage in Madrid. Demonstrators targeted the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team, prompting organizers to stop the race early and drawing global attention to Spain’s growing role in linking political accountability with international platforms.