Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged international sports bodies to suspend Israel from global competitions until its offensive in Gaza ends. The call came as Madrid reportedly cancelled a €700 million contract for Israeli-designed rocket launchers.
The cancelled deal had involved the purchase of 12 rocket launcher systems produced by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. The move follows Sánchez’s earlier announcement that Spain would formalize a ban on arms trade with Israel, citing what he described as “genocide against the Palestinians.”
Sánchez made the comments after pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling race, forcing it to end early. He praised the protesters’ actions, expressing “deep admiration” for those opposing the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. He also called on international sports organizations to question whether it is ethical for Israel to continue competing.
In a parallel move, Norway’s football association announced that ticket sales from its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel would be donated to Doctors Without Borders to support humanitarian relief in Gaza.
The Israeli government has strongly rejected Sánchez’s remarks, calling them “antisemitic” and accusing him of encouraging unrest at the Vuelta. It maintains that its war in Gaza is an act of self-defense.
Spain and Norway Step Up Against Israel: Sports Ban Call and Rocket-Launcher Deal Cancelled
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