Government accused of prioritizing politics over security following cancellation of bullet purchase contract by Israel.
Min read: 2 mins. The administration headed by Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has slammed Spain's decision to rescind a deal with an Israeli firm for bullet purchases, branding it as a prioritization of political interests over security. A spokesperson from Israel's Foreign Ministry voiced the disapproval to Europa Press, stating, "Israel firmly denounces the Spanish government's arbitrary termination of a contract with IMI Systems and their announced refusal to engage in future defense deals with Israeli companies."
The Israeli government contends that the Spanish government is making a strategic compromise on security concerns in favor of political motives and, yet again, is supporting the wrong side of history against Israel, which is combating terrorist attacks on seven fronts, according to the spokesperson's dismayed remarks.
This response follows Moncloa's reversal of the interior's decision to cancel the contract, which transpired after internal government tensions, as noted by Coalición por la República (Sumar), one of the minority partners, who threatened to abandon the government if the contract wasn't canceled.
On Wednesday, the interior put out a call for tenders to acquire €6.6 million worth of ammunition for the Civil Guard from the Israeli company. This decision came contrary to the government's pledge in October 2024 that it would eschew this acquisition as a result of Israeli attacks on Gaza. They also outlined their intention to refrain from future contracts with other Israeli companies.
A glimpse into other existing deals
Despite the government's stated intention to halt transactions with Israeli defense companies, whispers suggest ambiguity or ongoing concerns with other active defense contracts. The Spanish government's announcement to suspend such commercial tie-ups with Israel in October 2024 remains in effect, yet it seems that at least four other defense contracts involving Israeli companies for the procurement of military materials remain active. Notable items include aerial combat systems, mortar materials, and combat-proven missiles. The exact status of these contracts is yet to be clarified in the public domain.
The Center for Peace Studies reported that around 40 such contracts have been signed since October 7, 2023, following the eruption of the Gaza conflict initiated by Hamas' surprise attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli response.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will address the full congress on May 7 to discuss the plan to enhance defense spending to 2% of GDP, as mandated by NATO.
- The average Israeli response to Spain's reinstated deal with an Israeli firm for bullet purchases seems to prioritize war-and-conflicts and politics over the general news associated with tensions and security.
- The Israeli government's criticism of Spain's decision is based on the allegation that the Spanish government is showing political favoritism, thus cancelling future contracts with Israeli companies in 2024, a move that Israeli officials find questionable.
- Despite suspending new defense contracts with Israel in October 2024, it appears that there are still at least four active deals ongoing, as whispers suggest, involving Israeli companies and the procurement of military materials.
- In light of the ongoing tensions and controversy, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to address the full congress on May 7 to discuss plans for defense spending, a move aimed at reaching the NATO-mandated 2% of GDP target.
