Israel’s ambassador to Spain, Rodica Radian-Gordon, is set to return to Madrid early next week following a government briefing that there has been a notable shift in Spain’s messaging on the Gaza conflict. The update came from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaling renewed consultation with Madrid as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The decision to bring the ambassador back was made by the new head of the ministry, Israel Katz, after observing the changes in Spain’s public statements. The ministry emphasized the importance of the relationship between Israel and Spain as it navigates regional security concerns.
With Radian-Gordon’s return anticipated in the coming days, the Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting Israel’s right to defend its citizens from Hamas and to applying international pressure for the release of hostages held by the organization in Gaza.
Radian-Gordon had been summoned for consultations on 30 November following comments by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez that questioned whether Israel was complying with international human rights norms amid the Gaza war that escalated after the October 7 attacks. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the summons followed a sequence of statements by senior Spanish officials that were viewed as problematic. (Source: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Diplomatic conflict
A week prior, Sánchez had been preparing to return from Egypt after a visit that took him through Israel and the Palestinian territories, accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Israel’s government summoned Spain’s ambassador to its Foreign Ministry in response to the statements at that time.
Israeli officials expressed concern over remarks by Rubén Ribas? or other senior aides, which were perceived as limiting humanitarian deliveries into Gaza via Egypt. Spain’s stance led to a summoned ambassador and a strong note of displeasure from Jerusalem.
The call for consultations represented a formal signal of discomfort from Israel and came after Sánchez conceded that he had “clear doubts” about Israel’s adherence to the laws of war, particularly regarding civilian protections and casualty figures. (Source: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
During his visit to Jerusalem, where Sánchez met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, Sánchez asserted that Spain maintains a consistent position on the conflict. He condemned Hamas’s terrorist actions and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, while urging that any military action comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
Looking ahead, Sánchez proposed convening an international peace conference once hostilities cease, arguing that a durable resolution could emerge from a framework that includes a two-state solution and clear Palestinian governance in Gaza once Israeli operations conclude. (Source: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs)