MADRID – Israeli officials have formally criticized Spain’s highest-ranking diplomat in Tel Aviv following an incident where a massive effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detonated in a Spanish community earlier this week.
The towering 23-foot figure was filled with 31 pounds of gunpowder and destroyed during a traditional ceremony on April 5 in El Burgo, a small community located near Malaga in southern Spain, according to Mayor Maria Dolores Narvaez, who spoke to local media outlets.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a harsh statement on social media platform X, declaring: “The appalling antisemitic hatred on display here is a direct result of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government’s systemic incitement.” The ministry also shared video footage of the incident, though Reuters could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the clip.
Spanish officials pushed back against the accusations, with a Foreign Ministry representative stating: “The Spanish government is committed to fighting against antisemitism and any form of hate or discrimination. As such we totally reject any insidious allegation which suggests the contrary.”
Mayor Narvaez noted that the community has previously featured effigies of other world leaders during their yearly celebration, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The diplomatic dispute reflects broader tensions between Madrid and Tel Aviv that began with the Gaza conflict. Spain has positioned itself as a vocal opponent of Israeli and U.S. military operations in Iran and Lebanon, despite warnings from Washington about consequences for uncooperative NATO members.
The countries remain locked in an extended diplomatic standoff that originated with the Gaza war. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has characterized Spain’s prohibition on weapons shipments to Israel through Spanish ports and airspace as antisemitic, citing Israel’s military operations as justification.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has accused Israel of breaking international law and violating a recent two-week ceasefire following extensive airstrikes across Lebanon this week. Netanyahu responded Wednesday that Lebanon was excluded from the ceasefire agreement and that Israeli forces would continue targeting Hezbollah aggressively.
Prime Minister Sanchez, who has positioned himself as a prominent critic of the Iran conflict, has blocked Spanish airspace to any aircraft participating in what he has characterized as a reckless and unlawful confrontation.
