Spain Cancels ’Israeli’ Arms Deal Following Coalition Pressure

By Staff, Agencies

Spain has unilaterally cancelled a multi-million-dollar arms deal with "Israeli" defense firm IMI Systems, following intense political pressure and concerns over "Israel’s" war on Gaza, AFP reported Thursday, citing government sources.

The Spanish government has announced that negotiations to terminate a contract worth 6.8 million euros ($7.8 million) for bullet supplies to the Spanish Civil Guard have failed.

The contract with "Israel" sparked a political storm in Spain, with coalition partner Sumar condemning it as a violation of its commitment to halt arms trade with "Israel."

Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz of Sumar had demanded the immediate cancellation of the IMI Systems bullet contract, citing humanitarian concerns.

After exhausting negotiation efforts, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, along with Diaz and relevant ministries, agreed to cancel the contract unilaterally.

Government sources suggest that the investment board will deny the company permission to import dual-use material to the country due to general interest, and the interior ministry will terminate the contract immediately.

Spain halted weapons transactions with "Israel" in response to the Gaza war, which broke out on October 7, 2023.

The war has resulted in over 51,000 martyrs in the Palestinian territory, prompting Spain and other nations to reassess their military and diplomatic ties with "Israel".