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Netanyahu expels Spain from Gaza coordination centre after Lebanon strike criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the expulsion of Spanish representatives from the Gaza ceasefire coordination centre in Kiryat Gat. The move is a direct response to Spain's sharp criticism of recent Israeli military strikes in Lebanon. Spanish leaders, including Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and President Pedro Sanchez, have condemned the attacks as a violation of international law. The coordination centre was established as part of a U.S.-led plan to facilitate aid into Gaza.

Key Points: Israel expels Spain from Gaza ceasefire HQ after Lebanon criticism

  • Spain expelled from Gaza coordination HQ
  • Netanyahu accuses Spain of defaming IDF
  • Spain condemned Israeli strikes in Lebanon
  • Diplomatic rift over regional policy
  • Centre part of Trump-era peace plan
3 min read

Netanyahu expels Spain from Gaza ceasefire HQ centre in Kiryat Gat, after condemnation over strikes in Lebanon

PM Netanyahu removes Spanish representatives from Kiryat Gat coordination centre following Spain's condemnation of Israeli military strikes in Lebanon.

"Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. - Benjamin Netanyahu"

Tel Aviv, April 10

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered the expulsion of Spanish representatives from the Gaza ceasefire coordination centre in Kiryat Gat, following strong criticism from Spain over Israeli military strikes in Lebanon.

In a strongly worded statement, Netanyahu accused Spain of defaming Israeli soldiers and taking a hostile stance against the country.

"Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. Spain has defamed our heroes, the soldiers of the IDF, the soldiers of the most moral army in the world. Therefore, I have instructed today to remove Spain's representatives from the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, after Spain has chosen repeatedly to stand against Israel," he said.

He further warned that countries criticising Israel instead of what he termed "terrorist regimes" would not be considered partners in shaping the region's future.

"Those who attack the State of Israel instead of terrorist regimes will not be our partners regarding the future of the region. I am not willing to tolerate this hypocrisy and hostility. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price," Netanyahu added.

The move comes after Spain sharply criticised Israel's recent military actions in Lebanon despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, speaking during a session of the Foreign Affairs Committee, described the situation as dire.

"The situation in Lebanon is critical, extremely serious, and a disgrace to the conscience of humanity. The attacks must cease immediately. Spain supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, the Lebanese government, and UNIFIL," Albares said.

Earlier this week, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez also condemned the strikes in a post on X, calling for urgent international action.

"Just today, Netanyahu launches his harshest attack against Lebanon since the offensive began. His contempt for life and international law is intolerable. It's time to speak clearly: Lebanon must be included in the ceasefire. The international community must condemn this new violation of international law. The European Union must suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. And there must be no impunity for these criminal acts," Sanchez stated in his post on X.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), operating under US Central Command (CENTCOM), was established in October 2025 to coordinate and streamline the delivery of humanitarian, logistical, and security assistance from the international community into the Gaza Strip as part of Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
While Israel has a right to defend itself, expelling a key partner from a humanitarian coordination centre seems counterproductive. This centre is meant to help civilians in Gaza. Shouldn't that be the priority over diplomatic tit-for-tat? The suffering of ordinary people continues.
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Priya S
It's a complex situation. From an Indian perspective, we understand the need for a strong response to terrorism, but also the importance of sovereignty. Spain calling the situation a "disgrace to humanity" is very strong language. Maybe both sides need to step back and focus on the ceasefire.
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Rohit P
Honestly, the whole region is a mess. India should stay well out of it and focus on our own strategic interests. We have good relations with both Israel and Arab nations. Let the Europeans and Americans deal with this fallout. Our focus should be on our borders and economy.
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Ananya R
The Spanish President's call to suspend the EU Association Agreement is a huge step! But will other EU countries support it? Doubtful. Netanyahu's warning that critics won't be partners in shaping the region's future is a clear message. The geopolitics here is getting even more tangled.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think Israel's reaction is too harsh. Spain was criticising specific military actions in Lebanon, not attacking Israel's right to exist. Kicking them out of a coordination centre hurts aid efforts for Gazans. There has to be space for diplomatic criticism without such severe penalties. The humanitarian cost is real.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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