Spain’s government has abruptly canceled a €6.6 million ammunition deal with Israeli firm IMI Systems after intense backlash from its left-wing coalition partners over ethical concerns tied to the Gaza conflict.
At a Glance
- Spain cancels €6.6M ammo deal with Israeli firm IMI Systems
- Coalition partner Sumar condemns purchase amid Gaza war
- Government cites “public interest” in unilateral contract termination
Coalition Tensions Erupt Over Arms Deal
Spain’s left-wing coalition government is facing internal strife after the revelation of a €6.6 million contract to purchase 15.3 million 9mm bullets from Israeli defense company IMI Systems. The deal, intended for the Civil Guard, was initially approved by the Interior Ministry. However, it sparked immediate condemnation from junior coalition partner Sumar, who labeled the purchase a “flagrant violation” of the government’s commitment to halt arms trade with Israel following the October 2023 outbreak of the Gaza conflict, according to The Guardian.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, had previously pledged to cease all arms transactions with Israel. The decision to proceed with the ammunition contract led to accusations of hypocrisy and threats of coalition destabilization. Sumar’s leader, Yolanda Díaz, demanded an immediate cancellation, emphasizing the moral imperative to support Palestinian rights, as reported by The Guardian.
Watch The Guardian’s report on the incident at Spain scraps €6.6m arms order from Israeli company after outcry.
Government Reverses Course Amid Legal Hurdles
Facing mounting pressure, the Spanish government announced the unilateral cancellation of the contract, citing “public interest” as the rationale. The decision came despite warnings from the State Attorney’s Office about potential legal and financial repercussions, including possible indemnities to the Israeli supplier, according to Cadena SER.
The Interior Ministry acknowledged the advanced stage of the contract but emphasized the need to uphold Spain’s ethical commitments. The government also indicated plans to deny import licenses for the ammunition, effectively blocking the deal’s execution, as confirmed by HuffPost España.
Broader Implications for Spain’s Foreign Policy
This incident underscores the challenges Spain faces in aligning its foreign policy with its ethical standards. The government’s stance on the Gaza conflict has been a point of contention within the coalition, with leftist partners advocating for stronger actions against Israel. The cancellation of the arms deal may appease these factions temporarily but highlights the fragile nature of the coalition and the complexities of balancing international commitments with domestic political dynamics, as detailed by Politico Europe.
As Spain navigates the fallout from this decision, questions remain about the future of its defense procurement policies and the stability of its governing coalition. The government’s ability to maintain unity while adhering to its stated ethical principles will be critical in the coming months.
