Spain summoned Israel’s high diplomat on Tuesday for the second time in 5 days over remarks by Israel’s overseas minister that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was antisemitic and a “liar”.
Israel’s cost d’affaires, Dana Erlich, was known as in over “the unacceptable phrases and positions of the Israeli overseas minister,” the overseas ministry mentioned in a press release.
Israel has not had an envoy in Spain because the Sánchez authorities recognised the state of Palestine in 2024.
READ ALSO: Spain’s PM stresses ‘deep admiration’ for pro-Palestinian protesters
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Spain’s leftist authorities has been considered one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his army marketing campaign in Gaza, launched in response to the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Madrid recalled its ambassador to Israel final week after asserting new measures aimed toward “ending the genocide in Gaza,” additional straining relations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar not too long ago described Sánchez as “antisemitic” and a “liar” after the Spanish chief expressed admiration for pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted Spain’s Vuelta biking race.
Last Friday, Erlich was summoned after Netanyahu accused Sánchez of inciting genocide towards Israel.
READ ALSO: Israel’s PM accuses Spain of ‘genocidal risk’
