Spain’s far-right Vox party leader, Santiago Abascal, faced criticism on Wednesday following his unexpected talks in Jerusalem with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit came in response to Spain’s recent recognition of Palestinian statehood, which has heightened diplomatic tensions.
Abascal’s trip was revealed through photos posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night, showing him with Netanyahu. The visit coincided with Spain, Ireland, and Norway’s official recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move that angered Israel and exacerbated tensions with Madrid.
Since the start of the Gaza conflict on October 7, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has criticized the rising Palestinian death toll. Remarks by Sanchez’s deputy, advocating for “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea,” further strained relations, as Israel views this slogan as a call for its elimination.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, accused Sanchez of incitement over the deputy’s remarks and the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Abascal, during his visit, supported Israel’s actions in Gaza and claimed Sanchez’s recognition of Palestine was a diversion from domestic political scandals.
Abascal’s statements and visit drew backlash from Spanish officials. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares accused Abascal of spreading falsehoods and escalating conflict, while Prime Minister Sanchez criticized the opposition Popular Party (PP) for aligning with Vox. In parliament, Sanchez questioned PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo about Abascal’s supportive stance towards Netanyahu amid the ongoing bombings in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to Israeli figures, the initial attack killed 1,189 people, mostly civilians, and militants took 252 hostages, with 121 still held in Gaza. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has caused at least 36,171 deaths in Gaza, predominantly among civilians, according to the health ministry.
