A growing diplomatic dispute over Israel has led to renewed political tensions between the United States and Spain after U.S. Representative Carlos A. Giménez announced that he is stepping down as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus.
The Florida Republican said his decision was prompted by what he described as the Spanish government’s increasingly hostile stance toward Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Giménez said he made the decision reluctantly, emphasizing the long-standing historical, cultural, and economic ties between the United States and Spain. As a Cuban American and supporter of democratic alliances, he said he has spent years strengthening bilateral relations but believes recent Spanish policies have made it impossible for him to continue serving in the caucus.
Giménez accused Spain of moving beyond legitimate criticism of Israel and adopting policies that he believes unfairly target the country while benefiting organizations hostile to Israel. He argued that Spain has embraced rhetoric that contributes to antisemitism and criticized reports that members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and certain Israeli officials would be barred from entering Spain. He called the reported policy unprecedented and inconsistent with Western democratic values.
The congressman also objected to Spain’s restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including reported arms embargoes and limitations affecting defense transportation. According to Giménez, these actions place Spain on the wrong side of the global fight against terrorism and undermine the purpose of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, which was created to strengthen ties based on shared democratic principles.
Despite his resignation, Giménez expressed hope that Spain will eventually return to a foreign policy that more strongly supports Western allies and opposes terrorism. His decision reflects broader divisions among Western nations over Israel’s military campaign, as several European governments, including Spain, have adopted more critical positions while arguing that their policies are intended to address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law.
