Spain urges EU to end association agreement with Israel

Spain has criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over the Gaza conflict and Israel's attacks on neighbouring Lebanon. Netanyahu has accused Spain of "hypocrisy and hostility".

"On Tuesday, Spain's government will present a proposal to the EU that the European Union break off its association agreement with Israel", Sanchez told a political rally in Andalusia.

He alleged that Israel "violates international law" and therefore "cannot be a partner of the European Union... it's as simple as that".

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded with a social media post in Spanish saying his country would "not accept hypocritical lectures from someone who keeps ties with totalitarian regimes", citing Turkey and Venezuela under former leader Nicolas Maduro.

The June 2000 association agreement -- a treaty that sets a framework for cooperation -- includes a clause requiring respect for human rights.

Spain and Ireland first called for a review in 2024 over Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state the same year infuriated Israel, and Sanchez has stepped up his criticism of Netanyahu's government since.

Spain, Ireland and Slovenia sent a letter to the European Commission on Friday calling for the accord with Israel to be discussed at the next meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Netanyahu this month accused Spain of waging a hostile diplomatic campaign against his country and barred Madrid from taking part in the work of a US‑led centre created to help stabilise post‑war Gaza.