Israel's Arms Embargo Validity: A Significant Action, Delayed with Numerous Uncertainties
In a significant move, the Spanish government has announced a series of measures aimed at increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The measures, announced by President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, include an arms embargo, humanitarian aid, and support for the Palestinian Authority.
The first measure is the urgent approval of a Royal Decree-Law that legally consolidates the arms embargo on Israel. This decree will establish the legal and permanent prohibition of buying and selling arms, ammunition, and military equipment to Israel. The decree is set to be approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.
In addition to the arms embargo, Spain will also close its ports to ships with military fuel for Israel. This measure is part of a battery of measures that also includes the closure of the airspace to aircraft with defense material.
Israel does not sell defense material directly, but its companies often associate with Spanish companies to introduce equipment into Spain. However, the Spanish government has stated that it will not tolerate such activities and will enforce the embargo rigorously.
The Government plans to strengthen support for the Palestinian Authority, increasing Spanish personnel in the Border Assistance Mission and promoting new collaboration projects in agriculture, food security, and medical assistance. The aid and cooperation fund for Gaza will be increased to reach 150 million euros by 2026, with up to 150 million euros to be disbursed for humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2026.
The government will also increase its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) with an additional 10 million euros for the assistance of the Gazan population.
The blockade on products from illegal settlements in Gaza and the West Bank is another measure announced by Sánchez. This blockade aims to reinforce the Palestinian Authority and increase support for UNRWA. Experts consider this step an important one that could help other EU countries take similar measures.
Spain has been a significant exporter of weapons and ammunition within the EU, with Spain having exported 78% of the weapons and ammunition imported by the EU in May alone. However, the origin of a large majority of exported products is not identified, making it difficult to unilaterally boycott certain products.
The measures are the result of two parties in the coalition, PSOE and Sumar. The Delás center regrets that the decision comes late, as Israel has been violating the human rights of the Palestinian population for many years. The closure of Spanish ports with military fuel for Israel may not be very persuasive for Tel Aviv, but the government hopes that the combined effect of all measures will have a significant impact.
The Spanish Armed Forces may face difficulties because they need Israel's technology in certain areas, particularly in electronic warfare and cyber defense. However, the government has not given any information about projects carried out jointly by defense companies that have their headquarters in Spain, but are managed by Israeli companies.
Morocco could potentially serve as a substitute for Spanish ports in the future, as Israel has no problem dispensing with what Spain sells it, as it can find it in any other market. The measures may force Spain to place itself in a delicate situation in the short term due to this dependence, but the government hopes that the long-term benefits for the Palestinian population will outweigh the short-term challenges.
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