Spain summons Israeli envoy over Katz’s 'liar' slur at Sanchez

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Sep 2025 13:04
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Spain defended Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, summoning “Israel’s” envoy after Katz’s remarks, as Madrid stands firm amid deepening tensions over the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez walks outside 10 Downing Street, on the day of a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in London, Wednesday, September 3, 2025. (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

Spain summoned “Israel’s” top diplomat on Tuesday for the second time in less than a week after Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of being antisemitic and a “liar.”

"Israel" has frequently sought to deflect international criticism over its genocide in Gaza by invoking allegations of antisemitism, portraying condemnations of its actions as attacks on Jews rather than scrutiny of the occupation's policies. Critics argue that this tactic has been employed to shield Israeli leaders from accountability for human rights abuses, including what many international observers now describe as systematic attacks on Palestinian civilians.

The Spanish Foreign Ministry said charge d’affaires Dana Erlich was called in over “the unacceptable words and positions of the Israeli foreign minister.”

This comes shortly after 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 genocide 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."

It is worth noting that “Israel” has not had an ambassador in Madrid since Sanchez’s government formally recognized the State of Palestine in 2024, a move that sharply deteriorated bilateral relations.

Spain leads European calls for accountability

Relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv have sharply deteriorated. On Monday, Spain took one of its strongest steps yet against "Israel's" war on Gaza, canceling more than a billion euros in weapons contracts linked to Israeli companies and vowing to cut military ties with Tel Aviv.

An official document seen by AFP confirmed the termination of a contract worth nearly €700 million ($825 million) for 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems, built on the PULS platform designed by "Israel's" Elbit Systems. The decision was made public on September 9 through Spain's state contracts platform.

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.