Spain has announced that it is permanently recalling its ambassador from Israel and eliminating the ambassadorial post altogether, signaling a deepening rift between the two countries over Israel’s military actions against Iran and the Hamas terrorist organization.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry said the country’s diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv will continue to operate, but it will now be led by a charge d’affaires rather than a full ambassador.
The decision marks an escalation in a dispute that began months ago. In September, Spain had already pulled its ambassador from Israel amid mounting tensions after Madrid barred ships transporting arms and ammunition destined for Israel from docking at Spanish ports.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham sharply criticized Spain’s latest move, warning that it sends the wrong message as Israel and the United States confront Iran’s regime.
“I was just informed that the Spanish government has permanently recalled their ambassador to Israel. This is hard for me to absorb. Spain is a member of NATO, and the United States and Israel are in joint operations against the Iranian regime who openly calls for the destruction of the Jewish State, attacks against the West, and seeks to purify Islam in its own image. The religious Nazi regime in Iran is the problem, not the Jewish State. I hope Spain’s actions will not encourage the tyrannical, fanatical regime in Iran – that abuses its own people – to hang on. Time will tell.”
Spain has also publicly criticized the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.
The diplomatic friction between Jerusalem and Madrid intensified further in September after remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during the war that followed the October 7 massacre.
During those comments, Sanchez appeared to lament that Spain lacked the capability to deter Israel militarily, stating that “Spain does not have nuclear weapons” that could stop Israel’s campaign against Hamas.
Israel’s government strongly condemned the remarks, accusing Sanchez of invoking dangerous rhetoric.
“Spanish PM Sanchez said yesterday that Spain can’t stop Israel’s battle against Hamas terrorists because ‘Spain does not have nuclear weapons.’ That’s a blatant genocidal threat on the world’s only Jewish State,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
“Apparently, the Spanish Inquisition, the expulsion of the Jews of Spain and the systematic mass murder of Jews in the Holocaust, is not enough for Sanchez. Incredible,” it added.
{Matzav.com}
Travel out of Israel remains significantly disrupted, and observers are anticipating an even greater surge of passengers seeking to depart as yeshiva and seminary semesters draw to a close.
The limited number of flights operating out of Ben-Gurion Airport – constrained both by reduced airline schedules and government-imposed passenger caps – have not been sufficient to meet current demand. With large numbers of students expected to seek departure in the coming days, those limitations are projected to become even more acute.
Egypt Remains Key – But With Challenges
As previously reported by Chaim V’Chessed, travel through Egypt has until now been the most viable route for those seeking to exit Israel. However, the vast majority of flights have departed from Sharm el-Sheikh – a journey of several hours from the Israeli border through the Sinai Peninsula, terrain that some travelers have been hesitant to traverse.
Dramatic New Development: Flights for Students and Others
In a significant new development, the Igud of Yeshivas and Seminaries, together with Eretz HaKodesh, have announced plans to operate flights from Taba Airport.
Taba Airport is located just minutes from the Eilat border crossing, making it a far more accessible and attractive option. Even individuals who have been reluctant to travel deep into the Sinai Peninsula have indicated a willingness to consider departures from Taba due to its proximity to the border.
The first of these flights is scheduled to depart on Sunday, March 15. Organizers state that if the initial flights are successful, they are prepared to add numerous additional flights in the days that follow.
The current route being offered is from Taba to Milan, with an option to continue onward to New York. Transportation is being arranged from Jerusalem to the Taba border crossing, providing a streamlined solution from Jerusalem to the airport itself.
For the many students currently seeking viable exit options, this new route appears to offer a potentially significant solution. Chaim V’Chessed has arranged that a limited number of seats will also be made available to members of the general public.
Click here for more information about these flights.
State Department Flights Continue – Officials Stress Immediate Departure Only
State Department evacuation flights continue, though they remain limited and face logistical challenges. Following consultation with State Department officials, Chaim V’Chessed is able to share the following important information:
The officials expressed strong commitment to assisting American citizens seeking to exit Israel, while acknowledging operational challenges. They shared that efforts are underway to improve efficiency and service. At the moment, charter flights will travel only to Athens, Greece, and passengers will need to make their own way home from there.
Officials emphasized that these flights are intended only for individuals who are ready, willing, and able to depart Israel immediately. Many people have submitted the Crisis Intake Form despite only wishing to travel in the coming days or weeks. When such applicants are contacted and indicate they are not prepared to leave immediately, they may be removed from the lists. These additional names can slow processing and delay urgent assistance. The State Department therefore requests that only passengers ready to depart immediately complete the Crisis Intake Form.
Additionally, it is crucial to include information for all immediate family members on the same form. Officials also request that travelers who filled out the form but have already found alternate plans should notify the State Department, by phone or email, so that others in need of assistance will be helped.
Chaim V’Chessed expresses gratitude to State Department officials for their assistance. We remain in ongoing contact and will share updates as further information becomes available.
{Matzav.com}
