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Spain has officially severed a major defence contract with Israel, marking a significant break in military cooperation amid growing domestic and international condemnation of the war in Gaza. The Ministry of Defence has revoked licences granted to Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, halting the local manufacture of SPIKE LR2 anti-tank missiles by its Spanish subsidiary, PAP Tecnos.

 

The €285 million contract, which was approved on October 3, 2023 – just four days before Hamas’s attack on Israeli soil and Israel’s ensuing offensive – was intended to modernise Spain’s outdated missile systems. Under the agreement, 168 fifth-generation missiles were to be built domestically, reducing Spain’s reliance on foreign imports.

 

However, in the wake of sustained public outcry, political pressure and mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, the Ministry announced its intention to seek non-Israeli suppliers, aligning with Spain’s broader defence strategy of achieving technological independence.

 

The move reflects both ethical considerations and national security goals. Defence Secretary Amparo Valcarce recently acknowledged the complexity of completely severing ties due to Israel’s leadership in fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, she confirmed the government is working towards a “zero objective”, eliminating all defence-sector dependence on Israeli technology.

 

This revocation forms part of a larger initiative under Spain’s €10.5 billion Defence Industrial Plan, which promotes the development of homegrown strategic technologies. According to the Ministry, the decision is not solely a political gesture but a long-term investment in national resilience and sovereignty, reducing the risk of future vulnerability in foreign policy.

 

Spain’s stance diverges sharply from many of its European partners. Recent reports from the Arms Trade Treaty indicate that in 2024 the Czech Republic and Serbia continued exporting weapons to Israel, while Poland, the Netherlands and Greece all imported Israeli military equipment.

 

In contrast, Spain has emerged as a leading European voice in opposition to Israel’s Gaza offensive. President of the Spanish government Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly called for an EU arms embargo and led efforts to demand a ceasefire.

 

 

Public sentiment in Spain has played a critical role in this policy shift. Weekly demonstrations across Spanish cities, driven by civil society groups and left-wing political allies of the ruling PSOE party, have kept the issue at the forefront.

 

Organisations like Rumbo a Gaza and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have intensified their campaigns, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the blockade and war. Most recently, on June 2, a ship carrying international activists, including actor Liam Cunningham, set sail from Sicily as part of a non-violent attempt to breach the Gaza blockade.

 

Barcelona City Council has also taken a stand, suspending all institutional ties with Israel until a ceasefire is achieved. The city’s statement described Israeli actions in Gaza as “genocide”, echoing terminology increasingly used by activists and legal bodies. Indeed, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice are both investigating potential war crimes and breaches of international law.

 

Image: Ejército de Tierra