Summary
Spain's parliament has approved a law to permanently ban the sale of arms and military-related items to Israel. This decision formalizes a ban initially set in place in response to Spain's view of Israel's military actions in Gaza as genocide. The Spanish government intends to increase pressure on Israel through this measure.
Key Facts
- Spain's parliament voted 178 to 169 to approve a law banning arms sales to Israel.
- The ban includes weapons, dual-use technology, and military equipment.
- The decision stems from Spain's response to Israel's military actions in Gaza, which are viewed as genocide.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was instrumental in pushing for the law.
- The law also prohibits the transit of military-related materials through Spain to Israel.
- Exceptions exist for dual-use defense equipment if it affects Spain's national interests.
- Spain's arms embargo expands to include banned advertisements for products from Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank.
- The law faced opposition from Spain’s conservative and far-right political parties but gained last-minute support from the far-left party Podemos.
