'It's that simple': Pedro Sánchez's phrase jeopardizes historic EU-Israel trade relationship

Spain is poised to take a significant diplomatic step, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declaring that the country will formally request the European Union to sever its association agreement with Israel. This bold move, announced during an electoral rally in Andalusia, stems from Spain's assertion that the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is in violation of international law through its ongoing military operations.

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This Tuesday, the Government of Spain will take to Europe the proposal for the European Union to break its association agreement with Israel.

Sánchez articulated his position with stark simplicity: "This Tuesday, the Government of Spain will take to Europe the proposal for the European Union to break its association agreement with Israel." He further justified this stance by stating that a government "that violates international law (...) cannot be a partner of the European Union." This is not the first time Spain has questioned the agreement; a joint letter with Ireland in February 2024 had already called for an assessment of Israel's compliance with human rights obligations.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, established in 2000, contains a crucial clause stipulating that the relationship is contingent upon respect for human rights. Spain's escalating rhetoric, now encompassing the conflict in Lebanon, culminates in this direct challenge to the existing partnership. The proposal follows a recent joint letter from Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain to the European Commission, urging a debate on the Association Agreement at the upcoming Council of Foreign Affairs meeting.

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It's that simple, that straightforward.

Unsurprisingly, Israel has responded forcefully. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar directly attacked Sánchez, labeling the proposal as hypocritical and accusing Spain of maintaining relations with "totalitarian regimes" and promoting antisemitism. Saar's sharp retort highlights the deep divisions and escalating tensions surrounding the EU's relationship with Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.

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We will not accept a hypocritical reading from someone who has a relationship with totalitarian regimes that violate human rights like Erdogan's Turkey, Maduro's Venezuela. A government that receives thanks from the brutal regime of Iran and terrorist organizations, and that has dedicated itself to spreading antisemitism.