Tensions Rise in Spanish Coalition Government Over Israeli Arms Deal
The Spanish coalition government is currently experiencing significant internal strife following a controversial decision to purchase ammunition from Israel. This move has triggered a backlash, particularly among the leftist minority coalition party Sumar, which is led by Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz.
On Wednesdays, it was disclosed that the Spanish Ministry of Interior had procured just over 15 million bullets for the Civil Guard from Israel, a decision that contradicts the government’s stance from October 2023, when it committed to neither selling nor buying arms from Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza which has reportedly resulted in more than 51,000 fatalities.
The Interior Ministry defended this shift, claiming that a recommendation from the State Attorney's Office advised against canceling the purchase contract due to potential financial repercussions stemming from the advanced processing stage of the order. However, this justification has not quelled discontent among coalition partners.
Yolanda Díaz urgently called for an immediate retraction from the Interior Ministry, pushing for the accountability of Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The coalition partner Izquierda Unida further escalated the matter, hinting at possible drastic measures, including resignations among government members unless the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) reverses its decision. Their tone softened as the situation evolved, but the coalition's fracture appears palpable.
Reports suggest that the Interior Ministry is now exploring options to annul the ammunition contract valued at approximately six million euros. The contract was awarded to Guardian Defense & Homeland Security SA, an Israeli subsidiary of Guardian LTD. Yet, sources within the government have indicated that various alternatives for rectifying the situation are being considered, even as the PSOE acknowledges the discontent within the coalition caused by this apparent breach of prior commitments.
Despite the unease, officials in the President’s team downplay the likelihood of destabilizing the coalition, asserting that there was no bad faith in the decision-making process. They express a desire to uphold their previous promises and maintain stability within the government amidst rising tensions.
As military spending grows and conflict-related purchases become a focal point, the unity of the coalition is under strain, raising questions about how the parties will navigate this latest crisis in their partnership.
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