Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel’s exclusion from international sports competitions, stating that the country should not use such events to whitewash its image.
Kabul 24: Speaking to representatives of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, Sánchez argued that Israel should face the same treatment as Russia did following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The remarks come after protests in Madrid, which led to the cancellation of the final stage of the “Vuelta a España” cycling race, where an Israeli team was participating.
Sánchez praised the protests, attended by approximately 100,000 people, saying Spain “shines with pride” on the Gaza issue. Several Spanish ministers also commended the demonstrations.
In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, on Sunday (September 14), labeled Sánchez a “disgrace” and accused him of inciting anti-Israel protests. Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations of “genocide” in Gaza, describing its actions as self-defense.
Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun echoed Sánchez’s call, demanding Israel’s exclusion from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, stating, “We must ensure Israel does not participate.” Public broadcasters in Ireland and the Netherlands have also announced they will boycott Eurovision if Israel is included, citing the “tragic and severe” loss of life and human suffering in Gaza.
These developments highlight escalating tensions between Spain and Israel, with the Spanish government bolstering its stance on the Gaza conflict through support for anti-Israel protests.
The calls for a boycott reflect broader international divisions over Israel’s participation in global events. Israel views these criticisms as attempts to undermine its legitimacy, maintaining its right to self-defense.
