Spain freezes arms sales and purchases to Israel amid internal government tensions

Since October 7, 2023, Spain has suspended both arms sales and purchases with Israel, with no new arms export authorizations granted. According to El País, this decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, sparking internal tensions within the Spanish government.

Margarita Robles, Spain’s defense minister, confirmed that all contracts for the acquisition of Israeli armaments are currently on hold. However, as reported by Público, there are still existing contracts with the arms industry. Defense Ministry sources noted that only the repair of aerospace components, temporarily exported to Israel and returned after repair, has been contracted over the past year to maintain the Spanish Air Force’s operational capabilities.

On Tuesday, Pablo Bustinduy, Spain’s social rights minister, sent a letter to Robles on behalf of five ministers from the Sumar political group, demanding the suspension of any ongoing arms contracts with Israeli companies. According to Público, Bustinduy pointed to “some contracts” that remain active despite Spain not authorizing any new arms operations since October 7. He emphasized that Sumar’s proposal was based on a thorough review to enforce a total arms embargo on Israel beyond the mere suspension of new licenses.

“We ask that these contracts be canceled immediately,” Bustinduy warned in his letter, as reported by El País. He also called for halting any defense or security agreements linked to the escalations in Gaza and Lebanon. The social rights minister stated that this would align with the recent declarations of President Pedro Sánchez.

According to El País, Sánchez has called for the international community to cease supplying weapons to Israel. In Congress, Sánchez declared that Spain’s arms sales and purchases with Israel had been suspended. However, Público noted that it was unclear whether he misspoke or if further clarification would follow. Until now, Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares had stated that since October 7, no new arms export authorizations had been issued to Israel, although previously authorized deliveries may still have taken place.

Mixed messages and internal struggle

Despite these claims, there are reports that previously signed agreements are being fulfilled. El País mentioned that any arms exchanges occurring after the suspension were tied to contracts signed before October 7. While no new contracts have been issued, previously signed agreements continue to be executed, according to Público.

A report from the Delàs Center for Peace Studies revealed that the Spanish Defense Ministry has approved defense programs with Israeli companies since October 2022, totaling €1.027 billion, as mentioned by El País. This includes contracts such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (SILAM) for €576 million, 168 Spike anti-tank missile launchers for €237.5 m, and air combat system components worth €207.4 m. Some of these programs involve Israeli defense firms Rafael and Elbit, according to Público.

However, Bustinduy’s letter, according to El País, insisted that Sumar has formally requested that Spain seek “effective measures” to stop any operations related to arms deals with Israel. He also requested that the country halt contracts related to Israel’s activities in the illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories, as reported by Público.

Adding to the growing pressure on the Spanish government, El País mentioned that dozens of cultural figures, including filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and actress Victoria Luengo, have written to Sánchez, urging him to impose a total arms embargo on Israel. The collective’s appeal underscores the intensifying demand for concrete action in response to the ongoing conflict.

Spain’s suspension of arms sales and purchases from Israel, according to Público, reflects internal tensions and the complexities of balancing foreign policy, defense contracts, and humanitarian concerns in the face of the Israel-Hamas War.