Spain cancels weapons deal with “Israeli” arms manufacturer

The Spanish government on Thursday unilaterally canceled a EUR 6.8 million weapons contract with an “Israeli” company, following internal tensions within the country’s left-wing ruling coalition, according to government sources.

The sources said that “the relevant ministries have decided to cancel the purchase contract for ammunition with Israeli company IMI Systems.”

They added that both the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and its far-left coalition partner Sumar are “strongly committed to the Palestinian cause.”

“For this reason, since October 7, 2023, Spain has neither purchased nor sold weapons to Israeli companies—and it will not do so in the future,” the sources said.

Spain’s Interior Ministry had signed the contract with IMI Systems for 9mm ammunition for various units of the Civil Guard.

The government initially attempted to negotiate a termination with the company, but talks failed, prompting Spain to cancel the deal unilaterally.

The Sánchez administration, which officially recognized the State of Palestine in May, has made support for the Palestinian cause a key part of its foreign policy. Relations between Madrid and “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government remain strained.

The deal sparked criticism from Sumar, which called the contract “a flagrant violation” of Spain’s arms trade stance and demanded its immediate cancellation.

Israel condemned the decision, accusing the Spanish government of "sacrificing security considerations for political purposes".

"Israel strongly condemns the decision by the Spanish government to unilaterally breach a contract signed with the defense company IMI Systems, and its announcement that it will refrain from future defense deals with Israeli companies," the foreign ministry said in a statement to AFP.

Spain "continues to stand on the wrong side of history -- against the Jewish state that is defending itself from terrorist attacks", it added.