Spain’s leftwing coalition partners have called on the interior ministry to revoke a €6.6m (£5.7m) ammunition deal with an Israeli company, citing a breach of coalition agreements and concerns over accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The row emerged after it was revealed that a contract for 9mm bullets destined for the Guardia Civil would go ahead, despite a previous announcement last year stating such purchases had been suspended.
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Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal in condemning Israel’s conduct in Gaza, questioning its adherence to international humanitarian law and describing the death toll among Palestinians as “truly unbearable”. In October, the interior ministry had pledged to halt weapons trade with Israel, in line with the government’s position following the escalation of the conflict. However, officials now claim the ammunition contract was too far along to cancel without financial repercussions.
The apparent reversal triggered strong criticism from Sumar, the junior coalition partner led by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz. The platform labelled the move a “flagrant breach” of government commitments and demanded Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska appear before parliament to explain. They reiterated calls for a total arms embargo on Israel, the severing of diplomatic ties, and support for international legal actions against Israeli officials.
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Internal ministry sources said legal advice warned that cancelling the contract would require payment without delivery of goods essential for public safety. Nonetheless, they insisted the ministry remains aligned with the government’s stance against arms trade with Israel. The dispute has deepened tensions within the coalition, particularly as Sumar recently criticised the prime minister’s €10.5bn defence spending plan, calling it excessive and inconsistent with broader policy objectives.
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