Spain Removed from Kiryat Gat HQ Over Anti-Israel Bias

Israel has barred Spain from participating in the multinational Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, escalating an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the decision, citing what he described as Spain’s “anti-Israel obsession” and accusing Madrid of bias during the recent war involving Iran. The CMCC, based in Kiryat Gat, is a US-led framework coordinating humanitarian and security aspects of the Gaza ceasefire, with participation from several international partners.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Spain has been formally notified of its removal, and the United States was informed in advance. European countries, including Spain, have maintained a limited presence at the center, which plays a role in managing ceasefire implementation and coordination on the ground.

Sa’ar said Spain could no longer serve as a constructive participant in the mechanism, arguing that its positions undermine cooperation. The move comes after months of deteriorating ties between Jerusalem and Madrid, which have worsened since the start of the Gaza war and continued through the more recent conflict involving Iran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the decision, framing it as part of a broader policy response to international criticism. He said countries that “wage a diplomatic war” against Israel would face consequences, adding that Israel would not accept what he described as hostile actions while continuing to engage in regional diplomacy.

Relations between the two countries have been strained by Spain’s criticism of Israeli military actions and policy decisions. Madrid has taken a series of steps over the past year, including restricting defense cooperation with Israel and recalling its ambassador. During the Iran conflict, Spain also closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in strikes, further deepening tensions.

The removal from the CMCC underscores the widening gap between Israel and parts of Europe over the handling of regional conflicts, particularly in Gaza. It also highlights the political sensitivity surrounding international involvement in ceasefire mechanisms, where participation is closely tied to broader diplomatic alignment.

Despite the dispute, the CMCC is expected to continue operating with other international partners as efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire move forward.