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Israel has removed Spanish representatives from a U.S.-led coordination center overseeing post-war Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday, framing the move as a direct response to what he described as Madrid’s sustained diplomatic pressure on Israel.
The decision blocks Spain from participating in the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) based in Kiryat Gat, a platform set up after the Gaza ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, to monitor the truce and streamline humanitarian aid deliveries.
"I have instructed today to remove Spain's representatives," Netanyahu said in a video statement, arguing that Spain has "chosen repeatedly to stand against Israel." He added that countries targeting Israel diplomatically would not take part in shaping the region’s future..
Relations between Israel and Spain have steadily unraveled since Madrid recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, a move that triggered a sharp downgrade in ties. Both sides have since withdrawn their ambassadors.
The latest step escalates that standoff, with Israel signaling it is willing to impose tangible costs on governments it sees as hostile. Netanyahu warned that Israel "will not remain silent" and would respond decisively to what he called hypocrisy and hostility.
The CMCC brings together military officials and diplomats from several countries, including France, Britain and the United Arab Emirates, to coordinate security arrangements and humanitarian access in Gaza after more than two years of war left the territory heavily damaged.
Spain had been part of those discussions until the latest decision took effect.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emerged as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Madrid opposed the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which began with strikes on Feb. 28, further widening the gap between the two governments. It closed its airspace to aircraft linked to the U.S. and Israeli militaries involved in the war and denied Washington access to military bases in the country.
Spain also withdrew its ambassador to Israel in mid-March, with the embassy announcing it would be led by a chargé d’affaires.
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