WASHINGTON — A growing dispute over the Middle East conflict has spilled into U.S.-Spain relations, with Rep. Carlos A. Giménez announcing his resignation as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus over what he described as the Spanish government’s increasingly hostile approach toward Israel.
The Florida Republican said he made the decision reluctantly, pointing to the longstanding historical, cultural and economic ties between the United States and Spain. In a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Giménez argued that recent policies by Madrid had created a serious divide over shared democratic and security interests.
“As a proud Cuban-American and a steadfast defender of democracy, international security, and the U.S. alliance network, I did not make this decision lightly,” Giménez wrote.
He said strengthening relations between Washington and Madrid had been an important part of his congressional work. However, he argued that Spain’s recent positions toward Israel had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue representing the bilateral relationship through the caucus.
Criticism of Spain’s Israel Policy
Giménez accused Sánchez’s government of pursuing what he characterized as a campaign against Israel while the country continues to face threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other militant organizations.
The congressman also criticized what he described as rhetoric that crosses the boundary between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policy and antisemitism.
Among his most serious objections were reported Spanish restrictions involving members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli officials. Giménez called those measures unfair and argued that they could undermine cooperation between Western allies.
He also objected to Spanish restrictions affecting military cooperation and defense-related transportation involving Israel, arguing that such measures weaken the broader Western security alliance.
“To bar the brave men and women of the IDF,” Giménez wrote, while criticizing what he sees as Spain’s willingness to accommodate groups hostile to Israel, represents a departure from Western democratic values.
The congressman said the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus was created to strengthen relations between the two countries based on shared democratic principles, security interests and longstanding ties.
In his view, Spain’s current foreign-policy direction has created a conflict with those objectives.
Spain Defends Its Broader Approach
Spain has taken a significantly more critical position toward Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza than some other Western governments. Madrid has emphasized humanitarian concerns and international law while supporting efforts aimed at addressing the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Those policies have earned praise from some European and international observers, while drawing sharp criticism from Israel and its supporters.
The disagreement reflects a broader divide among Western allies over how governments should respond to the Israel-Hamas war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the security threats posed by militant groups and Iran.
Giménez said he remains hopeful that relations can eventually return to a stronger footing.
“I remain hopeful that Spain will one day return to a foreign policy rooted in the defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism,” he wrote.
His resignation from the caucus illustrates how disagreements over the Middle East are increasingly affecting diplomatic relationships far beyond the region itself.
For Washington and Madrid, the dispute represents another challenge for an alliance shaped by decades of cooperation. Whether the disagreement becomes a temporary political rupture or develops into a deeper diplomatic divide will depend largely on how Spain, the United States and their allies navigate the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
