Spain Moves Towards Imposing Embargo on Israel: A Controversial Legislative Proposal

The Spanish government, led by the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the coalition partner Sumar, has struck a significant agreement to advance the processing of a Bill aimed at imposing an embargo on Israel. This decision was made by President Pedro Sánchez and Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz, as confirmed by executive sources. The proposal is scheduled for initial processing on May 20 and aimed for potential approval by September. The Bill has garnered backing from various civil society organizations and has been co-signed by other political groups including ERC, Podemos, and BNG. If passed, it would facilitate an embargo on defense materials, including weaponry, to Israel, aligning with recent international legal proceedings. The legislation seeks to amend the existing Law on the Control of Foreign Trade in Defense and Dual-Use Matters to enable Spain to declare an embargo on states that have been accused and sued in an international court, whose jurisdiction Spain recognizes, for severe crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and other war crimes. Israel is under investigation by the International Court of Justice, following a case initiated by South Africa, setting the stage for potential repercussions. According to sources from the Second Vice Presidency, this Bill could not only entrench an embargo on Israeli military exports but also extend to all defense-related materials and technical assistance supplied by Israeli arms companies. While the proposal's terms remain a topic of discussion, PSOE sources indicated that it will be thoroughly examined throughout the legislative process, with party positions expected to be articulated as deliberations progress. The government underscores its commitment to fostering peace and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing a history of heightened financial support for UNRWA and support for international legal actions against Israeli leadership. In light of this political maneuvering, it's noteworthy that since October 7, 2023, Spain claims to have instituted a commercial blockade, ceasing all arms sales to Israel. However, reports from specialized monitoring centers like Delàs question these assertions, suggesting that military relations between Spain and Israel have intensified since that date. As Spain prepares to address this contentious issue in its parliament, the implications of an embargo could significantly alter the dynamics of Spain-Israel relations, as well as Spain's position in international human rights discussions. The coming months will be crucial for how this policy unfolds and how it is received both domestically and globally. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2