Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv

Spain Formally Dismisses Ambassador to Israel Amid Tensions with Tel Aviv

Spain’s government has formally removed Ana Sálomon from her post as ambassador to Israel. The action was published in the official gazette on Tuesday, following approval by the Council of Ministers. This decision means the country’s diplomatic presence in Tel Aviv will now be led by a chargé d’affaires, a position of lower rank than ambassador. The move is seen as a symbolic response to Israel’s earlier step of recalling its own envoy to Madrid.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, had previously criticized Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, accusing him of antisemitism. This came after Sánchez withdrew Spain’s ambassador from Tel Aviv in September 2024, citing Israel’s alleged genocide in Gaza. The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, which prompted Israel to launch a significant military operation in the region.

“Sánchez’s actions have been interpreted as a direct affront to Israeli interests,” Saar stated, adding that two Spanish ministers were temporarily barred from entering the country.

In May 2024, Israel recalled its ambassador to Madrid, Rodica Radian-Gordon, following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state. Despite expectations of a replacement, the initial nominee resigned for another post, and Netanyahu’s administration failed to appoint a new envoy. As a result, the ambassadorial role remains unfilled, with Dana Erlich serving as chargé d’affaires in Madrid.