NATO nation cancels over $1bn in Israeli arms deals – media
Spain has scrapped nearly €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in defense contracts with Israeli firms, its strongest move yet under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s newly announced measures against West Jerusalem, media reported on Tuesday, citing government sources.
The step follows Sanchez’s pledge last week to enshrine in law a ban on arms sales to and purchases from Israel over its Gaza offensive.
The Defense Ministry has reportedly canceled a €700 million ($826 million) deal for 12 SILAM rocket launchers and a €287.5 million ($339 million) contract for 168 Spike L.R. anti-tank missiles. The SILAM systems, based on Israel’s Elbit PULS platform, were due to be built by a Spanish consortium, according to the EFE news agency. The cancelations are expected to be finalized next week as Madrid reportedly prepares to disengage militarily and technologically from Israel while seeking alternative suppliers.
The decision comes as Israel presses an offensive on Gaza City, aimed at seizing what it says is Hamas’ last major stronghold. The security cabinet approved the plan last month, seeking to bring the city – one of the few areas not under IDF control – under full occupation.
Sanchez is among Israel’s harshest critics in Europe and has accused the Jewish state of committing “atrocities and genocide” in Gaza. He unveiled nine measures to end Spain’s “complicity,” including a permanent arms embargo, bans on extremist Israeli ministers, suspension of military cooperation, restrictions on settlement imports, and expanded humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Several countries in Europe and beyond have also moved to suspend or restrict arms exports to Israel. Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan, and Slovenia have imposed full or partial bans, while Germany has said it will no longer approve exports that could be used in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry said on Tuesday that Israel’s campaign amounts to genocide, citing intent to destroy Palestinians through acts defined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel also faces a separate genocide case at the International Court of Justice. The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 and seizing over 250 hostages. More than 65,000 Palestinians have since been killed, according to Gaza health officials.
