Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv

Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv

Spain’s government has removed Ana Sálomon from her role as ambassador to Israel, marking a significant step in the nation’s diplomatic realignment. The move was finalized through the official state journal on Tuesday, following approval at the most recent Council of Ministers. As a result, the embassy in Tel Aviv will now be managed by a chargé d’affaires, a lower-ranking official than an ambassador.

Earlier this year, Spain recalled Sálomon in September after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced steps to halt what he called a genocide in Gaza. This followed Israel’s military campaign in the region after the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas on southern Israel. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled Sánchez as antisemitic and restricted entry for two of his ministers into the country, escalating the already tense relationship between the two nations.

The current action is seen as a reciprocal move to Israel’s decision in May 2024 to recall its own ambassador to Madrid, Rodica Radian-Gordon. Following her departure, a replacement was anticipated. However, the initially chosen candidate later resigned to accept another post, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration did not proceed with a new appointment. Since then, the ambassadorial post to Spain has remained vacant, with Dana Erlich serving as chargé d’affaires in Madrid.

“We are taking decisive action to align our foreign policy with the ongoing crisis in Gaza,” stated a government spokesperson in a statement released alongside the announcement.

This development underscores the growing diplomatic friction between Spain and Israel, with both nations using their embassies as leverage in the escalating conflict. The absence of an ambassador in Tel Aviv and Madrid highlights the precarious state of bilateral ties during this period of heightened political tension.