Israel Summons Spanish Envoy Following Minister's Controversial Remarks
Israel summoned the Spanish Chargé d'Affaires for a reprimand following statements by Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego supporting a Palestinian state "from the river to the sea."
Following instructions from Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Spanish Embassy in Israel, Francisca Pedros, was summoned today (Monday) to a reprimand meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was conducted by the head of the Political-Strategic Directorate at the Ministry, Gilad Cohen.
The summons followed a statement by Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego, according to which the Spanish public supports the establishment of a Palestinian state "from the river to the sea." The Foreign Ministry argued that this is a slogan whose meaning, in their view, is the eradication of the State of Israel. Rego, who grew up in the village of Anata near Jerusalem, has previously been known as a Hamas supporter and accused Israel of genocide.
The Foreign Ministry sharply criticized the Spanish government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, arguing that Rego's statements add to a systematic anti-Israel policy promoted by the Spanish government.
The ministry further noted that Rego previously avoided condemning the October 7 massacre, and in September 2025 her entry into Israel was banned. The ministry argued that her positions reflect the direction of the Spanish government's policy and its alleged support for a vision that threatens Israel's existence.
In a statement, Sa'ar attacked the policy of the Spanish government and claimed that instead of standing by the fight against terrorism and threats to Israel's security, it "has turned the State of Israel into the punching bag of its foreign policy." He further claimed that Spain takes an active part in the campaign against Israel and its existence.
