Spain Cancels Ammunition Deal with Israel
The move is likely to be seen as a significant shift in Spain's stance on Israel, and may have implications for the country's foreign policy and defense strategy. The decision to cancel the deal has been welcomed by some as a victory for human rights, but others have criticized it as a politically motivated move that may damage relations with a key ally.
Spain's government has terminated a contract with Israeli company IMI Systems to purchase ammunition, citing "reasons of general interest", a move that has been condemned by Israel as a "sacrifice of security considerations for political reasons". The contract, worth €6.6 million, was for 15.3 million 9x19mm Parabellum Nato cartridges for the Spanish Civil Guard.
The decision comes after criticism from far-left allies in the governing coalition, who protested the deal citing Spain's criticism of Israel's war on Gaza. Despite initial plans to honor the contract, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez intervened to cancel the deal amid pressure from the left-wing group Sumar. The move is seen as a victory for Sanchez's far-left allies, but may damage relations with Israel.
Israel has claimed that the decision is a breach of contract and positions Spain "against Israel, which is defending itself against terrorist attacks on seven fronts". The opposition leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has also criticized the decision, saying contracts between democratic states should be fulfilled. The cancellation of the deal may have implications for Spain's defense spending, which aims to meet NATO targets of 2% of GDP.
The cancellation of the ammunition deal has sparked a diplomatic row between Spain and Israel, with Israel condemning the decision as a political move. The Spanish government's decision may have far-reaching consequences for the country's relations with Israel and its defense spending plans.