SPAIN - Political Break with Israel
‘The real danger isn’t symbolic,’ warns Spanish defense analyst Jesús M. Pérez Triana. ‘It’s when a unit can’t function in the field because it’s missing a software patch or a replacement module.’
Spain’s abrupt decision to cancel a €6.6 million contract for the import of 15 million 9mm bullets from Israel has sent ripples through both domestic politics and international defense circles.
The contract, awarded to Valencia-based Guardian Homeland Security SA, was intended to deliver ammunition manufactured by Israel Military Industries or its parent company, Elbit Systems. Although the Spanish government had declared a suspension of all arms deals with Israel in October 2023, this particular contract remained active, having been approved through a negotiated procedure without public bidding.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal condemnation, calling the cancellation a breach of international norms. The statement accused Spain of “standing on the wrong side of history—against the Jewish state defending itself from terrorist attacks on seven fronts.” It warned that Israel would reconsider its defense cooperation with Madrid moving forward.
In an exclusive interview with The Media Line, Jesús M. Pérez Triana, one of Spain’s leading security and defense analysts, warned that the practical fallout of the cancellation is already unfolding. “This isn’t about battlefield readiness,” he explained, “but about basic operational continuity.”
He also warned that the cancellation could have cascading effects. Many of Spain’s current military systems—communications equipment, anti-tank missiles, and even artillery platforms—are Israeli in origin. “If Israel interprets this cancellation as a precedent, we could see delays or refusals in delivering critical spare parts, software updates, or system maintenance,” he said. “That’s where things get dangerous. You can’t replace an integrated defense system overnight.”
-themedialine.org, 28 April 2025
Arno's Commentary
Israel and Spain have retained diplomatic ties since 1986, but since the Gaza War, Spain has been one of the leading voices in support of the recognition of a Palestinian state within the European Union. Its relationship to Islam is well-documented. Wikipedia writes, “In 1492, following the Christian Reconquest of Al-Andalusia an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 Muslims lived in Spain.” Today, an estimated 4.4% of Spain’s population identify as Muslim.
On 28 May 2024, Spain, Norway, and Ireland recognized the state of Palestine.
Historically, the Jews of Spain lived predominantly under Muslim rule from 711 AD until the late eleventh century. When Christianity advanced, Jews experienced certain liberties until their expulsion in 1492.
From various sources we gather, Spain is forced to choose between Arabs and Jews. Wikipedia states: “Sixteen Arab and OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries do not accept Israeli passports. These are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.”
Both Spain and Israel border the Mediterranean and have a similar life expectancy (Spain 83 years and Israel 83.1 years) and per capita GDP ($47,100 for Spain and $48,400 for Israel). Yet Spain is assumed to be the loser when it comes to the future, with Israel having the upper hand in terms of high-tech.
Here the prayer of the sons of Korah is applicable: “Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob” (Psalm 85:1).
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
