Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for Israel to be barred from participating in international sports events, likening the situation to the global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. This statement came against the backdrop of Sanchez’s government cancelling an $825 million military contract with Israel, reportedly in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Addressing a gathering of thousands of protesters who halted the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race on Sunday, Sanchez expressed “deep admiration” for their stand against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team in the race. The event, one of the premier cycling competitions worldwide, was disrupted by around 100,000 demonstrators who sought to express their discontent over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The protests turned confrontational at times, with police clashing with protesters who had barricaded the cyclist route but ultimately allowing a peaceful occupation of the road.
In his remarks, Sanchez articulated a clear position: “Our position is clear and categorical: as long as the barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition.” This assertion has evoked strong reactions, angering Israeli officials and right-wing Spanish politicians, who have condemned the government’s stance as irresponsible.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded sharply, accusing Sanchez of inciting public dissent and labelling the Spanish government a “shame for Spain.” Meanwhile, leaders of Spain’s conservative opposition, the Popular Party, denounced the protests as an embarrassment, claiming that the government fostered an environment for actions that hindered the world-renowned cycling event. “The government has allowed and induced the non-completion of the Vuelta,” stated PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo.
Adding to the tensions, the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain condemned the anti-Israel protests, warning that they might engender hostility towards the approximately 45,000 Jewish citizens residing in the country. Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun also weighed in, suggesting that a boycott of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest should be considered if Israel participates, further underscoring the ongoing debate within both the government and the public sphere.
The disturbances have raised important questions regarding Spain’s future as a host for global sporting events, especially as the director of the Vuelta, Javier Guillen, expressed regret over the “absolutely unacceptable” nature of the protests, stating, “It should not be repeated.” The cycling governing body, UCI, echoed these sentiments, voicing concern that the events could jeopardise Spain’s ability to host major international competitions, including the upcoming 2026 Tour de France scheduled to begin in Barcelona.
On the international front, Sanchez’s recent actions include the cancellation of a significant arms contract with Israel, which was awarded to a consortium of Spanish companies for the purchase of 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems. This decision underscores a strong governmental stance against what Sanchez’s administration has labelled “the genocide in Gaza.” An AFP tally reports that the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 64,905 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, alongside the deaths of 1,219 Israelis following the Hamas attacks on October 7.