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Netanyahu Expels Spain from Gaza Coordination Center Over "Slander"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the expulsion of Spain's representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in Kiryat Gat, which oversees the Gaza ceasefire. He accused Spain of repeatedly slandering Israeli soldiers and choosing to stand against Israel. The move escalates a diplomatic rift that has grown over Spain's vocal criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Spain had previously withdrawn its ambassador and restricted the use of its airspace and bases for US and Israeli military operations related to the conflict.

Key Points: Israel Expels Spain Over Gaza War Criticism

  • Spain expelled from Gaza ceasefire coordination HQ
  • Netanyahu accuses Spain of slandering IDF soldiers
  • Ties strained over criticism of Gaza war
  • Spain had withdrawn ambassador, restricted US/Israel military flights
3 min read

Spain has slandered our heroes, soldiers of IDF: Netanyahu

PM Netanyahu orders Spain's removal from a key Gaza coordination center, accusing Madrid of slandering IDF soldiers and waging a "political war."

"Whoever attacks the State of Israel... will not be our partner... I do not intend to allow any country to wage a political war against us without paying an immediate price. - Benjamin Netanyahu"

Jerusalem, April 10

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered the removal of Spain's representatives from a coordination centre in Kiryat Gat, warning that countries that intend to "wage a political war" against Israel will "pay an immediate price."

In a statement issued on X, Netanyahu stated that Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack it. He accused Spain of "slandering" Israel's soldiers and standing against Jerusalem.

"The State of Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. Spain has slandered our heroes, the soldiers of the IDF, the soldiers of the most moral army in the world. And therefore I have instructed to expel Spain's representatives from the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, after Spain has chosen time and again to stand against Israel," Netanyahu posted on X.

"Whoever attacks the State of Israel instead of the terrorist regimes, whoever does so, will not be our partner regarding the future of the region. I am not prepared to tolerate this hypocrisy and this hostility. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a political war against us without paying an immediate price for it," he added.

The Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat oversees the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Spain had a permanent presence at the headquarters, 'The Times of Israel' reported, citing an Israeli official.

Ties between Spain and Israel have been strained over the past two years as Spanish government has expressed anger against Israel's war in Gaza. In March, Spain also withdrew its Ambassador to Israel.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the most vocal European leaders to criticise the US and Israel's actions, repeatedly stating the message "No to the war."

Earlier in March, the Spanish government shut its airspace to all flights linked to the US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, including US aircraft deployed in third countries like the UK and France, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing media reports.

In an interview with radio station Cadena Ser, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo confirmed the decision and mentioned that the move was "part of the Spanish government's decision not to participate in or support this war, which was begun unilaterally and violates international law."

Previously, Spain prohibited the use of US military bases on its territory, including Rota and Moron de la Frontera, in connection with the conflict.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer, I appreciate Spain's principled stand. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is heartbreaking. More countries should have the courage to call out actions that violate international law, regardless of who commits them. 🇪🇸
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Vikram M
This is a complex geopolitical issue. While Israel has a right to defend itself, the scale of the response in Gaza has been disproportionate. Spain is right to voice concern, but expelling them from coordination talks might hurt ceasefire efforts. A delicate balance is needed.
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Priya S
Watching from India, it feels like the world is deeply divided. Every nation acts in its own perceived interest. Netanyahu's "immediate price" rhetoric is strong, but will it lead to peace or further isolation? The focus should be on saving civilian lives, not political posturing.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, calling your own army "the most moral army in the world" while the world watches the devastation in Gaza seems tone-deaf. A true friend offers constructive criticism, not blind support. Spain might be trying to be that friend, even if the message is harsh.
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Michael C
The closure of airspace and bases is a significant practical step by Spain. It shows they're putting their money where their mouth is. This isn't just words anymore; it's concrete action that limits military logistics. Interesting to see how other EU nations react.

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

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