Why Israel expelled Spain from Gaza coordination centre – Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Spain of being hostile towards Israel and acting against its interests.

He made this statement after Israel stopped Spain from taking part in a US-led coordination centre set up to help stabilise Gaza after the war.

Relations between Israel and Spain have worsened since Spain recognised a Palestinian state in 2024. Because of this, both countries have withdrawn their ambassadors.

Netanyahu said he ordered Spain’s representatives to be removed from the coordination centre in Kiryat Gat. According to him, Spain has repeatedly taken positions against Israel.

He added that countries that criticise Israel instead of confronting terrorist groups cannot be trusted as partners in shaping the region’s future.

The coordination centre, known as the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), was created after the Gaza ceasefire began on October 10. Its role is to monitor the ceasefire and help deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Officials from countries such as France, Britain and the United Arab Emirates are part of the centre and attend meetings on security and aid issues. Spain had also been involved before being removed.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel would not stay silent when it feels attacked diplomatically and said such actions would come with consequences.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the strongest critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The conflict started after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

He also opposed the joint US-Israel military actions against Iran earlier this year.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has also criticised Spain, accusing its government of siding with Israel’s enemies and supporting actions harmful to Israel.

Spain and Israel officially established diplomatic relations in 1986, after the end of General Francisco Franco’s rule. Before that, Spain had closer ties with Arab countries.