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Spain has approved a complete arms embargo on Israel, becoming the first European Union country to enforce such sweeping restrictions as pressure mounts over the war in Gaza. The Council of Ministers approved the decision as part of a broader package of measures aimed at halting what Madrid has described as genocide against Palestinians.

Spain canceled a €700 million ($825 million) contract for the acquisition of Israeli-designed High Mobility Rocket Launcher System (SILAM), developed from Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems’ Precise and Universal Rocket Launcher (PLUS).

The decree immediately prohibits all exports of defense materials and dual-use technologies to Israel, as well as the import of Israeli defense-related products into Spain. It further blocks requests for the transit of aircraft fuel with potential military applications and bans imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo described the move as “further evidence of the political commitment of the government and the international leadership of Spain and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for respect for human rights.”

The embargo expands on partial restrictions already in place and surpasses measures introduced by countries such as Slovenia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Government officials stressed that Spain is now the first EU member state to ban arms exports, fuel transit, and imports linked to Israeli settlements.

Political Reaction

The decision has drawn both praise and criticism from across the Spanish political spectrum. The left-wing coalition partner Sumar welcomed the embargo, saying it “paves the way for the EU” and urged other member states to follow Spain’s example. Podemos leader Ione Belarra, however, criticized the timing. “Arms embargoes are implemented before war crimes are committed, not with 60,000 innocent victims,” she said.

The conservative opposition People’s Party (PP) has not taken a firm position. Parliamentary spokesperson Ester Munoz said the party would review the royal decree before deciding, while also warning of potential risks. “Many components used by Spanish security forces are of Israeli origin. I ask that it not be trivialized; it is a complex issue,” she said.

Recognition of Palestine

Government spokesperson and Education Minister Pilar Alegria used the occasion to underline Spain’s commitment to Palestinian statehood. “As the prime minister underlined at the UN, recognizing the state of Palestine is urgent. Spain did so in May, and now we see many countries such as France, Portugal, Canada, the UK, and Australia following suit. Spain has played a key role from the start in supporting coexistence through a two-state solution,” she stated.

Spain’s cabinet previously approved a nine-point sanctions package against Israel on Sept. 9, but the arms embargo was delayed for what officials described as “technical and legal reasons.” The full measures, now in force, also include entry bans on several Israeli ministers, additional funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and prohibitions on advertising products originating from Israeli settlements.

Parliamentary Approval

Under Spanish law, decrees take effect immediately but must be confirmed by parliament within 30 days. Analysts expect lawmakers will approve the embargo, though debates could expose divisions between parties over security and foreign policy.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who first announced plans for the embargo earlier this month, has been one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Madrid has consistently framed its position as aligned with international law and human rights.

Spain’s decision highlights growing European divisions over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. While several EU states have recognized Palestine in recent months, others remain reluctant to adopt punitive measures against Israel. Madrid’s move is likely to intensify debate within the bloc over how to respond to the escalating civilian death toll.

Observers note that although other countries have introduced limited restrictions, Spain is the first to approve a “total” embargo. Whether this sparks a wider EU policy shift remains uncertain, but Spanish officials argue that the step sets a precedent.

The embargo adds to deteriorating relations between Spain and Israel. Tensions have risen sharply since Sánchez accused Israel of committing war crimes, a position that has drawn rebukes from Tel Aviv. In recent weeks, Madrid has positioned itself as a leading European advocate for stronger action in defense of Palestinian rights.

The effectiveness of the embargo will depend on parliamentary ratification and the willingness of other EU partners to take similar steps. For now, Spain’s government insists that it is fulfilling its responsibility to act against human rights violations.