His Prime Minister For Humanitarian Defense In Gaza Is Called A Liar, Spain Calls An Israeli Diplomat

JAKARTA - Spain summoned Israel's top diplomat today Tuesday, September 16. This summons is the second time in five days.

The diplomat was summoned for questioning regarding Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's statement that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was antisemit and a "lie".

"The words and attitudes of the Israeli foreign minister are unacceptable," the Spanish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Tuesday, September 16, quoted by AFP.

The diplomat who was summoned was the former head of Israel's Ambassador to Spain, Dana Erlich.

Israel is known to have no ambassador in Spain since the Spanish government led by Sanchez recognized the Palestinian state in 2024.

Spain's left-wing government has become one of the most vocal critics in Europe against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has continued to carry out military annexation in Gaza since October 2023.

On September 8, 2025, Spain withdrew its ambassador to Israel after announcing new measures aimed at "ending genocide in Gaza".