SPAIN – 'State of Israel' News [:ES: & 🇮🇱]

Cheeky-Monkey · October 17, 2023, 8:03am

Spain rejects Israeli 'falsehoods' following dispute

"Israel's" embassy in Spain claimed that Spanish officials had aligned themselves with "terrorism (of) ISIS-type." This comes after Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra said that "Israel" was conducting a "genocide attempt" and called for Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes.

The Israeli occupation embassy also urged the acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, to condemn the unnamed ministers' comments, alleging that they have threatened the safety of Jews in Spain.

Spain's Foreign Ministry said that the Israeli remarks were based on "falsehoods", reiterating its support for any "political leader" expressing their stances "as representative of a political party in a democracy such as Spain's."

Responding to the occupation embassy's comments, Belarra said that remaining silent on the Netanyahu government's crimes, which include "massive bombings, water, and electricity cuts," means complicity with terror.

The controversy appeared to have been triggered by critical comments by three far-left ministers on Saturday about Israel’s response to Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7.

Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra said on Saturday that Israel was conducting a “genocide attempt” in the Gaza Strip and called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.

Two other ministers, in charge of consumer protection and equality, also on Saturday criticized Israel’s operation in Gaza in posts on social media platform X.

Criticizing the embassy statement as “falsehoods,” Spain’s Foreign Ministry said the Madrid government strongly condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel and called for the protection of civilians in Gaza. “Any political leader can freely express their positions as a representative of a political party in a full democracy such as Spain’s,” it said.

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/10/17/Israel-accused-Spanish-government-of-siding-with-Hamas-Spain-rejects-claim

Cheeky-Monkey · October 30, 2023, 2:09pm

Spanish Minister: “EU is Becoming Complicit in Genocide of War Criminal Netanyahu”

Spain is one of two EU nations, alongside Portugal, which voted the UN resolution approved by 120 countries for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Spanish Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra has urged European leaders to take immediate action against Israel, including severing diplomatic ties and imposing economic sanctions, amid the intensified bombing and expanded ground operations against Hamas militants in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

She also called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be prosecuted for the alleged war crimes committed against civilians in Gaza.

“After this hellish night in Gaza, I have a very simple but very important message for European leaders. Do not make us complicit in genocide. Act. Not in our name,” Belarra said in a passionate video message on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.

More.

Cheeky-Monkey · November 1, 2023, 1:54pm

Making the news of late is the document about Isreal displacing the Palestinians, and there looks to be a Spanish connection:

The document also says that the United States should be enlisted in the process to exert pressure on Egypt to absorb the Palestinian residents of Gaza, and that other European countries — particularly Greece and Spain — as well as Canada should help absorb and settle the Palestinian refugees. The Ministry of Intelligence said the document was not yet formally distributed to U.S. officials, but only to the Israeli government and security agencies.

The 10-page document, dated Oct. 13, 2023, bears the logo of the Intelligence Ministry — a small governmental body that produces policy research and shares its proposals with intelligence agencies, the army, and other ministries. The document, whose authenticity was confirmed by the ministry, has been translated into English. The fact that an Israeli government ministry has prepared such a detailed proposal... eflects how the idea of forced population transfer is being raised to the level of official policy discussions. Fears of such plans — which would constitute a serious war crime under international law — have grown... continues.

Cheeky-Monkey · November 2, 2023, 11:01am

Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra is featured in this news report -

Spanish Minister Says "Suspend Relations with Israel"

The West tries to portray a united front on the State of Israel, but that really isn't the case.

In her statement, she called Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ and demanded European leaders to cut off diplomatic relations with Israel.

Belarra - We ask our partner that, as the Government of Spain, we bring Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court for war crimes.

Protest in Barcelona

Protesters Gather in Barcelona in Support of Palestine - video in Spanish

More than a thousand people took part in a pro-Palestinian rally in Placa Sant Jaume in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, October 29, local media said. People chanted “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel”.

Cheeky-Monkey · November 19, 2023, 3:29pm

Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez declares recognition of the State of Palestine

In a move marking a landmark shift in international relations, Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has declared the Spanish government’s official recognition of the State of Palestine. This policy shift, particularly in the context of the Middle East conflict, is a significant development that could potentially influence the stance and policies of other nations on the Israel-Palestine issue.

Spain’s decision to recognize Palestine as a state underscores its foreign policy stance and its approach to conflict resolution and international law. This move is likely to have diplomatic repercussions, potentially impacting Spain’s relations with Israel and its standing within the European Union and the broader international community.

Spain's incoming government, led by acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, declared its intention to actively advocate for the recognition of the state of Palestine, both domestically and within the European sphere.

Sanchez emphasised this recognition and diplomatic pursuit as the primary commitment of the upcoming legislative term.

During the pre-vote debate to cement his coalition government, Sanchez stressed the necessity for the international community to acknowledge the Palestinian statehood, citing it as a long overdue and just demand from the Palestinian people.

Additionally, Sanchez called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged strict adherence to humanitarian laws. He further appealed to Israeli authorities to facilitate the unimpeded passage of international aid to the besieged population.

Cheeky-Monkey · November 27, 2023, 5:48pm

Leaders met in Spain about Israel - Gaza:

42 countries attend Union for the Mediterranean annual meeting over Israel

A summit of the Union of the Mediterranean nations started in Barcelona with calls to extend the ceasefire in Gaza. Arab and European leaders of nations along the Mediterranean rim are attending with the talks aiming to convince European countries to pressure Israel to commit to an extension of the Gaza truce.

Palestinian diplomat appeals for Gaza truce to be extended as EU and Arab nations meet in Spain

“We have to find how to apply the necessary pressure so that the Israeli government does not continue killing innocent people, so that we can continue counting cadavers,” Riad al-Maliki said in Spanish during a news conference during the gathering of diplomats in Barcelona, Spain.

Israel is not attending the meeting hosted by the Union for the Mediterranean and chaired by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Many of the 42 delegations were represented by their foreign ministers.

More.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares speaks at the forum:

Spain advocates Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza, replacing Hamas

Albares called for the effective return of the Palestinian Authority to the war-torn Gaza Strip, replacing the ruling Islamist Hamas group.

The foreign minister made these remarks at the 8th regional forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), where foreign ministers from the Euro-Mediterranean region convened for a two-day conference in Barcelona. Israel chose to skip the meeting.

Emphasizing that the Palestinian Authority is the only feasible partner for peace, Albares apparently sought to address the controversy after Israeli accusations that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez supported terrorism by Hamas.

More.

Cheeky-Monkey · November 27, 2023, 6:33pm

In a cautious EU, Spain stands out as vocal Israel critic

Despite divergent positions in a cautious European Union, Sánchez, who governs in coalition with the far-left Sumar parry, has been one of the most critical leaders of Israel's military strategy in Gaza, which he deems "disproportionate." His position has triggered a diplomatic crisis with Israel.

Sánchez has also pledged to take the Palestinian cause to Brussels. "My first commitment of the legislature is that the new government will work in Europe and of course in Spain to recognize the Palestinian state," he said on November 15 during the speech to Parliament preceding his vote of investiture. A week later, on November 23 and 24, he was on an official visit to the Middle East in the company of Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who will succeed him in January as the rotating president of the Council of the European Union.

"Israel has the right to self-defense in the face of attacks, but let me be clear, Israel must also respect international humanitarian law," declared Sánchez on November 23, during a particularly tense meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "The whole world is shocked by the images we see every day from Gaza. The number of dead Palestinians is truly unbearable." Pleading for a lasting ceasefire and the holding of a peace conference, Sánchez asked Netanyahu to "work now to implement the two-state solution." In Ramallah, Sánchez and De Croo gave their support to the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.

more.

Turkish President Erdogan, Spain's premier discuss Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday discussed Israel’s over 40 days of attacks on Palestine and the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

In a phone call, Erdogan and Sanchez also exchanged views on steps to help ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza, and efforts for a permanent cease-fire, according to Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

Erdogan praised as “valuable” the Spanish government's stance against Israel's "illegitimate attacks" on Palestinians and its statements in favor of the recognition of Palestine.

Erdogan told Sanchez that Türkiye is ready to assume all kinds of responsibilities, including as a guarantor, to ensure permanent peace in the region and to work together with Spain for regional peace.

more

Also - Israel in diplomatic dispute with Spain and Belgium over Gaza bombardment - Israel has become locked in a diplomatic dispute with Spain and Belgium after it accused the EU countries of supporting terrorism in response to their prime ministers’ criticism of its bombardment of Gaza. The Israeli and Spanish foreign ministers exchanged harsh words and summoned each other’s ambassadors for reprimands as the dispute spiralled on Friday while Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo continued a visit to the Middle East.

DOTS · November 27, 2023, 7:18pm

A post was merged into an existing topic: Gaza 2023

Cheeky-Monkey · November 28, 2023, 8:31pm

The Rational National (Independent political commentary, media criticism, news and culture - Canada) - David discusses the Spain, Belgium and Israel News:

Spain And Belgium Anger Israel With Joint Statement

Breaking with a lot of the EU, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo delivered a clear joint statement on the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding at the hands of Israel.

Spain And Belgium Anger Israel With Joint Statement

Cheeky-Monkey · November 28, 2023, 9:45pm

Spain takes resolute approach against Zionist aggression

Examining news reports in Spain over the 50 days of the conflict, here is a compilation of key events: “The Barcelona City Council cuts ties with Israel”; “Spain’s Prime Minister declares intent to recognize Palestine State unless the European Union takes official action”; “Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister commits to imposing sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and an arms trade embargo against Israel at the beginning of the new government term”; “Spain’s Minister of Social Rights called for Benjamin Netanyahu to be brought before the International Criminal Court”; “Pro-Palestine protests erupt in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, ...”; “Spanish representative to the European Parliament submits Israel’s crimes dossier to the International Criminal Court.”

Spain is among the countries that, from the very first days of the unprecedented intensification of conflicts between the Zionist regime and Palestinian resistance groups, raised the voice of support for Palestine through rallies in various cities. In addition to that, Spain, in contrast to many Western countries and a significant number of European leaders, stood alongside Palestine and the residents of Gaza which is now considered the world’s largest open-air prison. The noteworthy aspect is that Spain’s recent stances align perfectly with the historical approach of this country.

NancyDrewberry · November 30, 2023, 2:01pm

It was planned that these submarines would have an Anaerobic Propulsion System (AIP) designed in Spain , but finally the first two will be delivered without it, delaying their implementation to the first major hull, which in the " Isaac Peral" will take place in 2029.

The broadcast of the official delivery of the submarine 'Isaac Peral' to the Spanish Navy

This Thursday, November 30, the Spanish Navy will experience a long-awaited moment: the delivery of the first of its new S-80 submarines.

The delivery ceremony will be held in Cartagena at 12:00 CET. It will be broadcast live on the Navantia YouTube channel, its construction company.

The "Isaac Peral" S-81 is the largest submarine in the Spanish Navy , with a length of 80.81 meters (its predecessors of the Galerna class have a length of 67.57 meters). Its hull has a diameter of 7.3 meters and the submarine has a surface displacement of 2,695 tons.

The new submarine is equipped with six torpedo tubes (compared to four for its predecessors). These tubes have the capacity to launch German-made DM2A4 torpedoes, with a diameter of 533 mm, guided by fiber optics and with a range of up to 50 kilometers. The forecast is that the S-80 can reach a speed of 19 knots with an autonomy of 50 days.

The "Isaac Peral" will be the first of four submarines of its class. The second will be called "Narciso Monturiol" S-82 and its delivery to the Navy is scheduled for mid 2025. The third will be the "Cosme García" S-83 , with delivery scheduled for the end of 2026. And the fourth will be the "Mateo García de los Reyes" S-84 strong>, with delivery scheduled for 2028. These four ships are named after famous Spanish sailors related to underwater weapons.

Until now, the Spanish Navy only had one active submarine, the "Galerna" S-71 (here we see it sailing alongside the "Isaac Peral" during the sea trials of the new submarine). The "Galerna" was launched in 1981 and entered service in 1983 . She was the first of four submarines of the Ella class, derived from the French Agosta class: the "Siroco" S-72, the "Mistral" S-73 and the "Tramontana" S-74 . Those four submarines had names related to the wind.

The S-80 submarines have had a rocky development. Initially the program had a cost of 1.8 billion euros and the delivery of the first submarine was scheduled for 2013 . Finally, the program has had a cost of around 4 billion, with delivery that has been delayed a decade. Its size has forced the docks of the Cartagena submarine base to be expanded , since its pits were designed for smaller submarines.

It was planned that these submarines would have an Anaerobic Propulsion System (AIP) designed in Spain , but finally the first two will be delivered without it, delaying their implementation to the first major hull, which in the " Isaac Peral" will take place in 2029.