U.S. Expresses Concern Over Spain’s Ban on Arms Shipments to Israel

Washington/Madrid — The United States has voiced strong concern after Spain announced restrictions on vessels and aircraft transporting weapons to Israel, a move that bars them from Spanish ports and airspace.

In an emailed statement to Reuters on Wednesday, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington was “deeply concerned” by the decision, warning that Spain, a NATO member, appeared to be signaling possible restrictions on U.S. military operations. The statement came shortly after six people were killed in Jerusalem.

The spokesperson further argued that Spain’s measures would embolden “terrorist groups.”

Spain hosts two major U.S. military bases: Morón Air Base in southern Spain and Naval Station Rota on the Atlantic coast.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the foreign ministry have not issued immediate comments despite repeated requests. However, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that Spain would not provide facilities to any ship or aircraft carrying weapons destined for Israel, accusing such shipments of fueling “genocide” in Gaza. The ban also extends to Israeli officials, with Spain imposing restrictions on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Israel has denied accusations of genocide despite the killing of more than 64,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. The country is also facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

In response to Spain’s announcement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Prime Minister Sánchez of engaging in antisemitism to divert attention from domestic corruption scandals. Israel also imposed entry bans on Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, both members of the left-wing coalition that governs alongside Sánchez.