What it is about:
On Monday, Israel announced that Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem will no longer be allowed to provide consular services to Palestinians in the West Bank from June 1. This measure comes as a response to Spain’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
Why it matters:
Israel’s move highlights its firm stance on international attempts to undermine its sovereignty and security by recognizing a Palestinian state. Foreign Minister Israel Katz underscored that such actions from countries will result in punitive measures.
Details:
The Foreign Ministry stated that the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem is “authorized to provide consular services to residents within the Jerusalem consular district only and is not authorized to extend services to residents of the Palestinian Authority.” This new directive will be effective from June 1.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that he had “implemented preliminary punitive measures against the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem following the Spanish government’s recognition of a Palestinian state.”
What they are saying:
Katz emphasized, “We will not put up with harming Israel’s sovereignty and security. Anyone who rewards Hamas and tries to establish a Palestinian terrorist state will not be in contact with the Palestinians.”
He further remarked, “The days of the Inquisition are over. Today, the Jewish people have a sovereign and independent state, and no one will force us to leave our religion or threaten our existence – those who harm us, we will harm in return.”
Broader context:
This announcement follows a week of heightened tensions, as Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized a Palestinian state from May 28. This decision was met with significant rebuke from Israel.
Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, defended their decision, claiming it to be “justice for the Palestinian people and the best guarantee of security for Israel.”
During a meeting in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, along with Palestinian Authority’s Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, discussed enhancing the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas as an alternative governance in Gaza post-conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm on not allowing the PA to govern Gaza post-war.
Recent Developments:
Separately, Spain has been insistent that Israel comply with an International Court of Justice order to halt airstrikes and ground assaults in Rafah. Spain has been proactive in rallying EU support to enforce this court decision, challenging Israel’s military actions deemed necessary for its security.
This diplomatic friction occurs in the backdrop of ongoing conflict ignited by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7. The violence resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and numerous hostages. According to Hamas’s health ministry, over 35,000 have been killed or presumed dead in Gaza, a toll that includes both terrorists and civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) report that 288 soldiers and a civilian Defense Ministry contractor have lost their lives during the ground offensive and border operations.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.