Everything You Need to Know About Spain’s Sanctions Against Israel
Spain just became the first Western country to impose sweeping sanctions on Israel. Here is what that means and what it could signal for the world.
🇪🇸 Spain Takes a Stand
In a historic move, Spain has announced a set of nine measures targeting Israel in response to what Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described as the genocide in Gaza. The decision follows months of international pressure, widespread civilian deaths, and growing outrage over Israel’s military campaign.
Speaking to the nation, Sánchez stated:
“There is a difference between defending your country and bombing hospitals or starving innocent children. This is not self-defence. It is the extermination of a defenceless people.”
🔥 The 9 Sanctions Spain Announced
Spain’s government has approved eight of the nine planned measures aimed at pressuring Israel. Each action is designed to cut support, signal disapproval, and demand accountability.
1. Arms Embargo
All sales of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment to Israel will be halted.
➡️ This includes suspending all new defense contracts and may extend to cancelling existing ones once the final legislation is passed.
2. Maritime Restrictions
Ships carrying fuel for the Israeli army will no longer be allowed to pass through Spanish ports.
➡️ This prevents refueling and military supply chains from operating via Spanish waters.
3. Airspace Restrictions
Spain will deny access to any aircraft transporting weapons or defense materials to Israel.
➡️ This directly impacts logistical support for Israeli military operations from the air.
4. Entry Bans
Individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, or human rights violations in Gaza will be barred from entering Spain.
➡️ This could apply to top Israeli leaders such as Prime Minister Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich, who are already under scrutiny by the ICC.
5. Settlement Products Ban
Spain will no longer import products made in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank or Gaza.
➡️ This undermines economic support for Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.
6. Consular Limitations
Spanish consular services will no longer be available to Israeli citizens residing in illegal settlements.
➡️ This signals that Spain does not recognize the legitimacy of settler presence in occupied areas.
7. Support for the Palestinian Authority
Spain is increasing its diplomatic and financial backing for the Palestinian Authority.
➡️ This aims to strengthen Palestinian self-governance and civil infrastructure.
8. More Funding for UNRWA
Spain will boost support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
➡️ An additional 10 million euros has been pledged for 2025, bringing total planned humanitarian aid to 150 million euros by 2026.
9. (Pending) Permanent Arms Export Ban
The government is drafting legislation that would formalize a full and permanent embargo on arms sales to Israel.
➡️ Although not yet finalized, the process is ongoing and intended to make the embargo legally binding.
📢 Global Reactions
Israel's Foreign Ministry has condemned the measures as anti-Semitic and accused Spain of leading a hostile campaign.
Spain responded:
“We reject the false and slanderous accusations. This decision reflects the majority opinion of Spanish society and is rooted in our defense of peace and human rights.”
In retaliation, Israel banned two Spanish ministers from entering the country. Spain then recalled its ambassador for consultations. No return date has been announced.
💣 The Bigger Picture
This marks the first time a major Western government has tied concrete sanctions to Israel’s actions in Gaza while explicitly using the term genocide.
Spain also formally recognized Palestine in May 2024, joining a growing number of countries doing the same.
Many of Spain's measures reflect long-standing demands from civil society groups and the BDS movement. But because they come from a NATO member, the actions carry new political weight.
🚨 Why This Matters
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry and United Nations reports:
- More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed
- Over 2 million people have been displaced
- At least 367 children have starved to death
Despite this, tech and defense companies continue to profit from the war. Spain's actions send a powerful message: this level of violence and oppression will not be supported.
If other countries follow Spain’s lead, we may be witnessing a shift in international accountability.
✅ What You Can Do
Stop funding genocide.
Download the Boycat App to avoid brands complicit in oppression and human rights violations.
Take back control of your internet.
Use BuycatVPN to block trackers, protect your data, and resist surveillance from companies involved in state violence.
Support Palestinian-led efforts.
Follow and uplift organizations such as BDS, Al-Haq, and the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Share this article.
Raise awareness. Educate others. Help shift the tide.
📚 Sources
- Al Jazeera, “Spain imposes arms embargo on Israel over Gaza genocide,” 8 Sep 2025
- The Arab American News, “Sánchez announces 9 measures to stop genocide in Gaza,” 8 Sep 2025
- EuroNews, “Spain moves ahead with Israeli sanctions, holds back on weapons import ban,” 10 Sep 2025
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs official statement
- ICC Reports on Gaza