Spain's Sanctions on Israel (September 2025)

Spain’s sanctions against Israel consist of a nine-point measure package adopted and implemented by the Spanish government in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, accompanied by diplomatic and administrative actions. This package has been put into effect using domestic legal instruments and references to the international framework, following approval by the Council of Ministers.

Background and Timing

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the new measures on 8 September 2025, stating in an official statement that Israel’s military operation, launched in October 2023, had resulted in severe consequences for civilians. The announcement was communicated to the public through an official statement from the Moncloa Palace, after which the package received approval from the Council of Ministers.

Basis of the Sanctions

In his official statement, Prime Minister Sánchez emphasized that attacks on civilians and humanitarian indicators are incompatible with international humanitarian law. The government justified the nine-point package, which combines entry bans, logistical restrictions, and economic measures, with the objectives of “halting genocide, investigating perpetrators, and supporting the Palestinian people.”

Legal Basis and Implementation Mechanisms

Among the measures is the conversion of the de facto arms embargo in place since October 2023 into a permanent and legally binding prohibition through a Royal Decree-Law. The government has declared that this regulation imposes a permanent ban on the import and export of arms, ammunition, and military equipment to Israel.

Enforcement of these measures is carried out through administrative mechanisms within national jurisdictions including ports, airspace, and border controls.

Nine-Point Sanctions Package

Arms Embargo

The de facto arms sales ban in place since October 2023 has been expanded by the Council of Ministers’ Royal Decree to prohibit the export and import of all defense equipment and dual-use products and technologies. Additionally, under the approved decisions, transit applications for aircraft fuel with potential military use linked to Israel have been denied, and the import and export of arms, ammunition, and military equipment to Israel have been formally prohibited.

Port Ban

All vessels transporting fuel to the Israeli military are prohibited from transiting through Spanish ports.

Airspace Ban

State aircraft carrying defense materials to Israel are barred from entering Spanish airspace.

Entry Ban (Individual Measures)

Individuals directly involved in genocide, serious human rights violations, or war crimes in Gaza are prohibited from entering Spanish territory.

Import Ban from Illegal Settlements

Import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as advertising activities related to these products, are banned.

Restriction of Consular Services

Spanish citizens residing in illegal Israeli settlements will receive only the minimum consular services mandated by law.

Contribution to the EU Rafah Mission

The number of Spanish personnel in the European Union Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) will be increased, and new projects will be launched in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority in agriculture, food security, and health.

Increase in UNRWA Contribution

Spain will increase its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by 10 million euros.

Enhancement of Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian aid and development cooperation targeting Gaza will be raised to a total of 150 million euros by 2026.

Implementation of Individual Sanctions

Following the Council of Ministers’ decision, entry into Spain has been banned for Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that these individuals have been added to the sanctions list and that their data will be entered into the Schengen Information System. He also noted that entry bans are already in place against certain extremist settlers and that the list is being openly updated.

Mutual Measures and Diplomatic Repercussions

Israeli authorities have banned entry into Israel for Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Economy Yolanda Díaz and Minister of Youth and Childhood Sira Rego.

In response, Spain has imposed entry bans on two Israeli ministers. These developments, together with Spain’s recall of its Ambassador to Tel Aviv for consultations and reciprocal official statements, have heightened diplomatic tensions.

European Union and International Framework

Spain has argued that Israel has violated Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and has initiated efforts at the EU level to impose an arms embargo, terminate commercial relations, and suspend EU-Israel programs. Spanish authorities have assessed that a qualified majority exists to support these proposals and have stated that decisive steps are possible within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly. Spain has also formally reiterated its support for processes at the ICC (International Criminal Court) and ICJ (International Court of Justice) and its calls for a permanent ceasefire.

In his institutional statement, Prime Minister Sánchez emphasized that attacks on civilians and humanitarian indicators are incompatible with international humanitarian law. The government has justified the nine-point package, combining entry bans, logistical restrictions, and economic measures, with the objectives of “halting genocide, investigating perpetrators, and supporting the Palestinian people.”