"Diplomatic War": Netanyahu Slams Spain as Tensions Over Gaza and Lebanon Reach Boiling Point

The diplomatic rift between Madrid and Jerusalem has escalated into an all-out verbal confrontation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially accused the Spanish government, led by Pedro Sánchez, of waging a "diplomatic war" against the State of Israel. This scathing remark follows Spain's persistent criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza and its recent condemnation of strikes in Lebanon. Netanyahu stated that Spain’s stance does not reflect a quest for peace, but rather a deliberate attempt to undermine Israel's international standing. The friction reached a peak after Israel expelled Spanish personnel from the Kiryat Gat coordination center, citing Madrid’s "hostile rhetoric." In response, the Spanish Foreign Ministry has defended its position, asserting that advocating for international law and a permanent ceasefire is not an act of war but a necessity for regional stability. However, Netanyahu’s administration remains firm, suggesting that countries criticizing Israel's defense tactics will face "diplomatic consequences." This clash places Spain at the forefront of a growing divide between the European Union and Israel over the future of Middle Eastern security.