Spain has withdrawn its ambassador to Israel indefinitely. According to a decree signed by King Felipe VI and published in the Spanish state gazette on 11/3, Ana Maria Salomon was relieved of her duties as Spain's ambassador to Israel, effective 10/3. This action was proposed by Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Ambassador Salomon was previously recalled to Spain in 9/2025, when diplomatic tensions between Spain and Israel escalated.

There are currently no indications that Spain will appoint a new ambassador to Israel in the near future. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the embassy in Tel Aviv will be managed by a charge d'affaires.

Dai su Ana Maria Salomon tai Madrid, Tay Ban Nha nam 2021. Anh: Spanish Transparency Portal

This move marks the latest escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which began after Israel launched its retaliatory campaign against the Hamas armed group in the Gaza Strip in 10/2023. Relations between Spain and Israel have consistently deteriorated since that time.

Spain implemented a ban on military equipment sales to Israel at the outset of the Gaza conflict. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced measures in 9/2025 to codify this prohibition into law.

Following this, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Sanchez of "anti-Semitic views" and issued an entry ban on two Spanish ministers. Israel had already recalled its ambassador from Spain in 5/2025, after Spain officially recognized the State of Palestine. Since then, the Israeli embassy in Spain has been led by an interim charge d'affaires.

Tensions further escalated after the United States and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on 28/2. Prime Minister Sanchez openly opposed this action, drawing criticism from Israel.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters, Times of Israel)