Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Labels Israel as “State of Genocide,” Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
Israel summons Spanish ambassador for reprimand after Sánchez's strongest remarks since the Gaza conflict began.
Watan-Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described Israel as a “state of genocide” on Wednesday, while Tel Aviv summoned Madrid’s ambassador for a reprimand following Sánchez’s strongest remarks since the Gaza war began.
This occurred during a parliamentary session in Madrid, in response to criticism from Catalan MP Gabriel Rufián, who accused the socialist leader of maintaining trade relations with Israel despite the ongoing war in Gaza.
Sánchez responded by affirming: “I want to clarify one thing here, Mr. Rufián. We do not conduct business with a state that commits genocide, we do not do that.”
He added: “I think I made it clear a few days ago, from this podium, exactly what we were talking about when some issues that do not align with the truth were raised.”
According to local media reports, this is the first time Sánchez has publicly used the term “state of genocide,” a phrase frequently used by his coalition partner, the left-wing party “Soma.”
In response to the Spanish Prime Minister’s remarks, Tel Aviv summoned Madrid’s ambassador for a reprimand, according to the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
