Spanish Prime Minister and President of the Socialist International Pedro Sanchez delivers a speech during the Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona, Spain, 18 April 2026.
Spain will ask the European Union to end its association agreement with Israel over alleged violations of international law, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on April 19.
Spain has criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over the Gaza conflict and Israel's attacks on neighbouring Lebanon. Netanyahu has accused Spain of "hypocrisy and hostility".
"On Tuesday, Spain's government will present a proposal to the EU that the European Union break off its association agreement with Israel", Sanchez told a political rally in Andalusia.
He alleged that Israel "violates international law" and therefore "cannot be a partner of the European Union... it's as simple as that".
The June 2000 association agreement — a treaty that sets a framework for cooperation — includes a clause requiring respect for human rights.
Spain and Ireland first called for a review in 2024 over Israel's bombardment of Gaza.
Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state the same year infuriated Israel, and Sanchez has stepped up his criticism of Netanyahu's government since.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia sent a letter to the European Commission on Friday calling for the accord with Israel to be discussed at the next meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Netanyahu this month accused Spain of waging a hostile diplomatic campaign against his country and barred Madrid from taking part in the work of a US?led centre created to help stabilise post?war Gaza.
