An Israeli diplomat brings to Spain that « no work in defense » of Israel « holds a price »

Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Spain, Dana Elrich, denied any Israeli link to the mass entry of migrants into the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta in late July, but warned the Spanish government: « Failing to work with Israel on our defense also comes at a cost for Spanish citizens. »

Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid, the top Israeli diplomat in the country expressed surprise that the Spanish government, « lacking information, without reports, and repeating a lie driven by disinformation, » linked Israel—and Russia—to the influx.

« That Israel is being brought up in this context, instead of focusing on Ceuta’s security while Spain is experiencing a national emergency, still surprises me, » said Elrich, emphasizing the need to « work together against shared threats, » such as those posed by Iran.

Despite Israel’s alliance with Morocco and strained relations with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, the chargé d’affaires maintained that « being an ally » to one « does not mean forgetting about other allies. »

« We may be at a critical point with Spain’s central government right now, but that does not mean Spain as a country is not a partner. We can do more, because we have seen how this government’s decisions sometimes set aside the safety of the Spanish people, » the diplomat stressed.

Asked how relations with Spain could improve, she stated: « For us to return to normality with the current government, a shift in narrative, policy, and public statements is needed, » calling for stronger condemnation of terrorism from Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah alike.

In March, the Spanish government recalled its ambassador to Israel to bring diplomatic representation « to the same level » as Israel’s presence in Spain.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had previously recalled its ambassador to Spain, then Rodica Radian-Gordon, in May 2024, after Sánchez announced Spain would officially recognize the State of Palestine.

Source : EFE (automatic translation)

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