Spain protests repeated Israeli army strikes against positions held by the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Israeli Embassy in Madrid, Dan Poraz, who is currently leading the mission because the new ambassador has not yet taken up his post. Israel recalled its ambassador for consultations in May in response to Spain’s recognition of Palestine as a state and to the government’s criticisms of the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting but offered no further statements.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry described Spain as a haven for antisemitism for permitting a gathering of a group it considers a terrorist organization. The Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, urged the Tel Aviv government to appear before the public prosecutor if it believed a crime had been committed, noting that antisemitism is treated as a crime in Spain.
Spain condemns the recent UNIFIL-related tensions and is closely watching the border situation. UNIFIL was established to oversee the ceasefire line between Israel and Lebanon and to assist the Lebanese authorities in stabilizing the area. The mission involves peacekeepers from multiple nations, with a key leadership role under a Spanish general who reports to the United Nations Secretary-General. Spain contributes a significant number of personnel to the mission, and the recent incidents have raised concerns about safety on the ground and the protection of civilian lives in a fragile region.
In the last forty-eight hours, Israeli forces fired on UNIFIL positions guarding the border area that separates Israel from Lebanon, a line established after Israel’s withdrawal. The mission comprises about 10,500 peacekeepers from numerous nations under the command of a Spanish general, who reports to the United Nations Secretary-General. Spain contributes more than 650 personnel to the mission. None of the Spanish personnel were injured in the recent incidents, though injuries occurred among personnel from other contingents, particularly following the collapse of a surveillance tower after tank fire, which affected several units.
The government reiterated its firm condemnation of the latest Israeli strikes on the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, which wounded additional blue helmets. It called on Israel to halt these attacks immediately and to comply with International Humanitarian Law and the Security Council’s Resolution 1701.
The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who was in Rome alongside the Pope, criticized the breaches of international law in the Gaza campaign and its spillover into Lebanon. The toll on civilians in these conflicts has been enormous, underscoring the urgent need for restraint and renewed commitment to humanitarian norms. As diplomatic channels remain active, Spain continues to advocate for accountability, de-escalation, and adherence to internationally recognized standards of conduct.