Spain cancels $300M Israeli missile deal over Gaza war
Spain's Defense Ministry cancelled a 285 million euro contract for Israeli-made anti-tank missiles on Tuesday, marking the latest escalation in Madrid's diplomatic campaign against Israel over the Gaza war.
The decision affects 168 SPIKE LR2 missile systems that were to be manufactured in Spain by Pap Tecnos, a subsidiary of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. "The goal is clear...a total disconnection from Israeli technology," government spokesperson Pilar AlegrÃa told reporters.
Spain approved the missile contract on October 3, 2023, just four days before Hamas launched its assault on southern Israel that triggered the current Gaza conflict. The deal included 168 launchers, 1,680 missiles, and logistical support, with Spanish authorities initially arguing their forces needed updated systems to match allied armies.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems told the Associated Press it was unaware of the cancellation, while Pap Tecnos declined to comment. Spain is now reportedly considering American-made Javelin missiles as an alternative.
The missile cancellation represents Spain's most substantial break with Israeli defense technology, following April's scrapping of a 15-million-dollar ammunition purchase. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government has emerged as one of Europe's harshest critics of Israel's Gaza campaign, formally recognizing Palestinian statehood in May 2024 alongside Norway and Ireland.
Last month, Sanchez called Israel a "genocidal state" during parliamentary proceedings, prompting Israel's Foreign Ministry to summon Spain's ambassador. Spain has also requested suspension of the European Union's cooperation agreement with Israel and urged partners to impose an arms embargo.
Spain became the first European country to seek permission from the International Court of Justice to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The ICJ has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and ensure food supplies reach Gaza, though Israel disputes the court's interpretation of these orders.
According to El Mundo, Spanish defense officials describe "a deliberate process to phase out Israeli technology gradually," calling it a "formidable challenge" for Spain's defense sector[3]. The policy shift comes as Spain faces pressure to increase NATO defense spending while managing opposition from far-left coalition partners who threaten to withdraw support over Israeli contracts.