Spain Backs Out of $325 Million Missile Deal with Israel’s Rafael Amid Gaza War Backlash
Spain has officially withdrawn from a €285 million ($325 million) arms deal with Israeli defense giant Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, in a move that further reflects growing European pressure on Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
According to The Times of Israel, the canceled agreement was set to provide Spain with 168 SPIKE LR2 anti-tank missile launchers and 1,680 accompanying missiles. The systems were to be developed locally by Pap Tecnos, a Spanish subsidiary of Rafael.
Though the deal had been finalized just four days before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel—which left 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage—the Spanish Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that the purchase has now been scrapped.
Sources close to the deal revealed that Spain may now opt to purchase U.S.-made Javelin missiles as an alternative. Israeli defense company Rafael stated it was unaware of any formal termination from Madrid.
This isn’t the first time Spain has backed away from Israeli defense contracts. In April, the Spanish government also canceled a €15 million order for Israeli-made bullets after political pressure from its left-wing coalition partners. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had initially signaled support for that purchase, only to reverse course after threats of resignation from key ministers.
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Spain’s withdrawal comes as diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Jerusalem escalate. In a recent speech before parliament, Prime Minister Sánchez referred to Israel as a “genocidal state,” drawing fierce criticism from Israeli officials. His foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, has also called for the European Union to suspend its cooperation agreement with Israel and urged EU member states to consider an arms embargo.
Last month, Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, recognized Palestinian statehood, further straining ties with Israel.
The European Union has since initiated a review of its cooperation framework with Israel. The move coincides with Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza, which aims to regain control over 75% of the territory. The offensive is being coordinated with a U.S.-backed humanitarian aid strategy intended to bypass Hamas, following a two-month period during which no aid reached Gaza.
Spain’s latest decision underscores the increasing rift between European allies and Israel, as global calls for restraint in Gaza continue to mount.
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