Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv
Spain formally dismisses ambassador to Israel amid tensions with Tel Aviv
Reciprocal diplomatic moves escalate bilateral friction
Spain’s government has removed Ana Sálomon from her role as ambassador to Israel, a decision finalized in the official gazette on Tuesday. The Council of Ministers approved the action, leaving the embassy in Tel Aviv temporarily led by a chargé d’affaires. This marks the first time Spain has withdrawn its ambassador from Israel since the conflict in Gaza intensified.
The move follows Israel’s decision in May 2024 to recall its ambassador to Madrid, Rodica Radian-Gordon, after Spain recognized a Palestinian state. Though a replacement was anticipated, the chosen candidate resigned for another assignment, and Netanyahu’s administration did not appoint a successor. As a result, the Israeli diplomatic post in Spain has remained vacant for over a year.
Sálomon’s recall in September 2025 came after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. This prompted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to accuse Sánchez of antisemitism and restrict access to Israel for two of his ministers, worsening the already tense relationship between the nations.
“Sánchez’s rhetoric has crossed the line into antisemitism,” Saar stated, escalating the diplomatic standoff.
The current envoy in Madrid, Dana Erlich, now oversees Spain’s diplomatic presence in Israel at a lower rank. This step reflects a broader pattern of reciprocal measures between the two countries, signaling a shift in their strategic alignment amid the ongoing conflict.
