Spain's Prime Minister Urges Exclusion of Israel from International Sports

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:00:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be barred from international sporting events while condemning its actions in Gaza. His comments have stirred political controversy and prompted reactions from Israeli officials.

In a bold statement, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has called for Israel's exclusion from international sports competitions, drawing a parallel to sanctions against Russia due to its aggression in Ukraine. His remarks come in response to ongoing protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation has escalated tensions, with Israeli officials labeling Sánchez as a disgrace. This development amplifies Spain's fragile relationship with Israel, particularly following Sánchez's earlier criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza and calls for an arms embargo.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions over its actions in Gaza.

Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image, he told elected representatives of his Socialist Workers' Party.

He suggested that Israel should be treated like Russia, facing consequences for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In response, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled Sánchez a disgrace and accused him of inciting pro-Palestinian protests that resulted in the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, with an Israeli team participating.

Earlier, Sánchez pointed out that previous protests during the race highlighted Spain's pride in its stance on Gaza.

Several Spanish ministers praised the protests, with digital transformation minister Óscar López stating, it's a relief to me that thousands mobilise against that genocide. Israel has consistently refuted claims that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, emphasizing a right to defense.

Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun echoed Sánchez's earlier calls for Israel's exclusion from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, amid public broadcasters from Ireland and the Netherlands signaling a potential boycott.

The relationship between Israel and Spain has deteriorated since late 2023, following Sánchez's condemnation of civilian casualties in Gaza and subsequent measures, including an arms embargo against Israel.

Polling by the Elcano Royal Institute indicates that 82% of Spaniards believe genocide is being committed in Gaza, as Sánchez continues to face backlash for his government's stance on the conflict.

Recent developments have seen European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen join calls to suspend trade relations with Israel due to humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

This backdrop of escalating tension has sparked significant international discourse surrounding Israel's actions and the global response to the Palestinian plight.