Spain cancels Israeli weapons contracts worth €1B, reviewing defense deals and procurement amid Gaza conflict, citing ethical and political concerns.
The Spanish government has announced that Spain cancels Israeli weapons contracts worth over 1 billion euros, marking a significant shift in the country’s defense procurement policy.
Central to this decision is a 700 million-euro ($825 million) deal for Israeli-designed rocket launchers, which has now been formally terminated.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the move reflects Spain’s commitment to ethical defense practices amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The canceled contract involved a consortium of Spanish companies but relied on Israeli technology.
Specifically, it covered the purchase of 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems derived from Israel’s PULS platform, manufactured by defense firm Elbit Systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Military Balance.
Local media and the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported the cancellation, which was formalized on Spain’s official public contracts platform on September 9.
Earlier, Spain had also canceled a 287 million-euro contract for 168 anti-tank missile launchers, scheduled to be produced under license from an Israeli company.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Sánchez announced additional measures following the cancellations, including a decree banning military equipment sales or purchases with Israel. The decree cites Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza after the Hamas attacks in October 2023.
These moves have strained diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel. Spain recognized the state of Palestine in 2024, prompting Israel to withdraw its ambassador from Madrid.
Last week, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel after disagreements regarding the new military restrictions.
Sánchez has emphasized that Spain cannot maintain military collaboration with Israel while civilians are affected by the Gaza conflict, framing the decision as both a legal and ethical obligation.
Impact on Spanish Military Procurement
According to the Barcelona-based Delas Centre, Spain awarded 46 contracts totaling over $1 billion to Israeli companies since the Gaza conflict began.
The recent cancellations signal a broader review of Israeli military technology within Spain’s armed forces, including potential contracts for surveillance equipment, ammunition, and other defense systems.
This review aims to balance ethical considerations with the need to maintain operational capabilities. Analysts note that Spain’s phased approach could influence other European countries that rely on Israeli defense technology, raising broader questions about supply chains and ethical procurement standards.
Broader Implications and Regional Response
Spain’s decision to cancel Israeli weapons contracts has drawn international attention. Observers say the country is positioning itself as a moral voice within Europe on the Gaza conflict, potentially influencing EU-wide policies on arms sales.
The move demonstrates a growing trend of integrating human rights considerations into military procurement decisions.
By codifying a ban on arms transactions with Israel, Spain is signaling both a political and ethical stance, reshaping its defense sector while sending a clear diplomatic message.
Spain cancels Israeli weapons contracts as part of a comprehensive effort to align defense procurement with ethical and political principles.
The cancellations, affecting deals worth over 1 billion euros, reflect Spain’s commitment to human rights, operational readiness, and responsible diplomacy.
By reviewing Israeli military contracts, Spain is redefining its military procurement policies while asserting a principled position on the international stage.
