Spanish Prime Minister Shocks The World: "I'm sorry we don't have nuclear weapons to stop Israel"

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a frightening address on Monday, reaffirming his government's commitment to opposing Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, even as he acknowledged Spain's limited geopolitical leverage. The statement, which included a new arms embargo on Israel, has escalated tensions between the two nations, prompting sharp rebukes from Israeli officials and drawing criticism from an intelligence source who reportedly claimed the prime minister had "lost his mind."

In his remarks during a parliamentary session on September 8, Sánchez announced that Spain would impose a total ban on ships and aircraft carrying weapons or military-grade jet fuel to Israel from docking in Spanish ports or using its airspace. He described Israel's actions in Gaza as a "genocide" against Palestinians, intensifying Spain's longstanding criticism of the conflict that has raged since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

"Spain has no atomic bombs, no aircraft carriers, or large oil reserves," Sánchez stated. "We alone cannot stop the Israeli attack. But that does not mean we are going to stop trying. There are goals worth fighting for, even if victory in them is not in our hands alone."

The measures build on Spain's previous actions, including halting direct arms sales to Israel since October 2023 and recognizing Palestine as a state in May 2024 alongside Ireland and Norway. Sánchez also pledged to increase aid to the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, while banning imports from Israeli settlements in occupied territories. In June 2024, Spain joined South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.

The announcement triggered an immediate diplomatic fallout. Israel accused Sánchez of antisemitism and restricted the operations of Spain's consulate in Jerusalem, limiting its services to residents of Judea and Samaria only. In response, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations, further straining bilateral ties. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the moves, stating they aligned Spain with "Iranian ayatollahs and their henchmen who burn flags." Domestically, Sánchez's words sparked controversy, with some Spanish media and online commentators interpreting them as a regret over lacking nuclear weapons to confront Israel.

Sánchez's Socialist-led government has positioned Spain as one of Europe's most vocal critics of Israel's conduct in the Israel-Hamas war, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution. The prime minister's defiance comes amid broader European divisions on the issue, with countries like Germany and the UK maintaining stronger support for Israel.