From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Spain bans Smotrich, Ben Gvir in latest reciprocal rap
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Spain is barring National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares says at a press conference, amid an ongoing tit-for-tat between Jerusalem and Madrid.
The move comes after Israel announced it would impose sanctions on two Spanish ministers, and accused Spain’s government of advancing antisemitic policies.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry also recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv for consultations in response to the antisemitism charge.
The latest flurry of diplomatic measures comes after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Monday an arms embargo and partial import ban over Israel’s wartime conduct in Gaza. Spain broke with European allies last year by recognizing a Palestinian state.
Spain’s decision comes five weeks after Ben Gvir and Smotrich were banned from entering The Netherlands. Slovenia and Belgium have also banned the two ministers. Belgium is reportedly working to extend this ban across all 29 European states that are members of the Schengen Agreement.
The Times of Israel Community.