Portrait of Pedro Sánchez
Politician · country
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Pedro Sánchez on Israel

Critic of Israeli actions (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Pedro Sánchez has strongly criticized Israel’s military action in Gaza, while opposing unilateral military action against Iran.

Key Points

  • His government passed a law to impose an arms embargo on Israel in 2025.

  • Spain recognized a State of Palestine in 2024, against Israel's wishes.

  • He publicly stated Spain rejects unilateral military action by the US and Israel against Iran as of February 2026.

Summary

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has emerged as one of Europe's most vocal critics of Israel's military operations in Gaza, consistently condemning the civilian casualties resulting from the war sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack. He has accused Israel of committing a “genocide” in the enclave, a claim Israel vehemently denies. Furthermore, his government introduced legislation that was approved by Spanish lawmakers to impose an arms embargo on Israel, and Spain was among the first European nations to recognize a State of Palestine in 2024. His recent foreign policy focus has also involved strongly rejecting unilateral military action by the US and Israel against Iran, framing such escalation as a return to global disaster like the Iraq War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pedro Sánchez has been a strong critic of Israel's military conduct in Gaza, accusing them of genocide and calling for an arms embargo. He has consistently criticized the high number of civilian casualties in the conflict. His stance is rooted in international law and a desire for a diplomatic solution.

His stance has evolved to become one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israeli military action in Gaza, which is a firm position. His government also acted to recognize a Palestinian state in 2024. His recent statements focus on opposing any escalation like a war with Iran.

The Spanish Prime Minister firmly stated “No to war” following the US and Israeli attack on Iran, refusing complicity out of fear of reprisals. He called for immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law, citing the Iraq War as a negative historical parallel.