Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv

Spain Removes Israeli Ambassador Amid Escalating Tensions

In a significant diplomatic shift, the Spanish government has officially relieved Ana Sálomon of her role as ambassador to Israel. The action was published in the state gazette on Tuesday, following approval by the most recent Council of Ministers meeting. This move leaves Spain’s embassy in Tel Aviv temporarily without an ambassador, with diplomatic operations now overseen by a chargé d’affaires, a lower-ranking position.

Reciprocal Response to Recent Actions

The decision is seen as a reciprocal measure in response to Israel’s earlier step of recalling its own ambassador to Madrid. In May 2024, Israel dismissed Rodica Radian-Gordon after Spain recognized a Palestinian state. Since then, the ambassadorial post in Spain has remained vacant, with Dana Erlich currently serving as chargé d’affaires in Madrid.

Sálomon’s recall in September 2023 followed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s declaration of measures targeting what he called a “genocide in Gaza.” This came amid Israel’s military campaign in the region, sparked by Hamas attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar later criticized Sánchez, accusing him of antisemitism and restricting access for two of his ministers to Israel.

“What he described as a genocide in Gaza,”

highlighted the escalating conflict between the two nations. The removal of Sálomon underscores the deepening rift, with Spain now aligning its diplomatic stance in response to Israel’s earlier actions.