MADRID – Joining a chorus of outraged European leaders, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has launched a direct verbal assault on his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Spanish leader’s remarks come just hours after Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering Jerusalem’s most sacred Christian site for Palm Sunday Mass.
The Statement: “Without Explanation”
In a sharply worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Sánchez accused the Israeli government of arbitrarily stripping away the rights of the faithful.
“Netanyahu has prevented Catholics from celebrating Palm Sunday in Jerusalem’s Holy Places. Without any explanation. Without reasons or motives,” Sánchez wrote.
“From the Government of Spain, we condemn this unjustified attack on religious freedom and demand that Israel respect the diversity of beliefs and international law. Because without tolerance, coexistence is impossible.”
A Relationship in Freefall
The timing of this condemnation is critical, as Spain has become the most vocal critic of Israel within the European Union since the outbreak of “Operation Epic Fury” in late February 2026.
- The “Genocide” Label: Earlier this month, Sánchez officially referred to Israel as a “genocidal state” during a parliamentary session, a move that led Israel to summon the Spanish Ambassador for a “severe reprimand.”
- Base Restrictions: Spain has strictly prohibited the United States and Israel from using the Rota and Morón airbases for any operations related to the war in Iran, citing the “illegality” of the conflict.
- Economic Measures: Just last week, Sánchez introduced a €5 billion anti-crisis package to shield Spanish families from the “economic fallout of Netanyahu’s war,” including fuel subsidies and rent freezes.
The “European Front” Against Netanyahu
Sánchez’s comments align Spain with Italy and France, creating a rare moment of unified European pressure on Jerusalem.
- Italy: PM Giorgia Meloni called the incident an “offense to believers.”
- France: President Emmanuel Macron warned of the “worrying increase in violations” of the Status Quo in Jerusalem.
- Israel’s Defense: Netanyahu’s office maintains the closure was a “safety measure” to protect the Cardinal from potential Iranian missile strikes on the Old City, which lacks adequate bomb shelters.
| European Leader | Official Stance | Recent Action |
| Pedro Sánchez (Spain) | Condemns “unjustified attack” on faith. | Enshrined an arms embargo into law (Mar 2026). |
| Giorgia Meloni (Italy) | Termed it an “offense to believers.” | Summoned Israeli Ambassador to Rome. |
| Emmanuel Macron (France) | Warned of “Status Quo” violations. | Called for an immediate ceasefire in Jerusalem. |
Conclusion: Diplomacy by Ultimatum
With Spain already having withdrawn its ambassador from Tel Aviv on March 11, this latest clash suggests that formal diplomatic ties between Madrid and Jerusalem are nearing a total collapse. Sánchez’s appeal to “international law” and “tolerance” signals that Spain intends to lead a push for further EU-level sanctions against Israel if access to the Holy Places is not restored by Easter Sunday.
