Overview

• The Spanish government unilaterally terminated a €6.8 million contract with Israeli defense firm IMI Systems for 9mm ammunition for the Guardia Civil.
• The decision followed intense pressure from the left-wing coalition partner Sumar, which opposes arms deals with Israel due to its actions in Gaza.
• Legal advisors had warned that canceling the contract could result in Spain paying compensation without receiving the ammunition.
• Israel condemned the move as ideologically driven and harmful to bilateral relations, calling it an 'unacceptable stigmatization' of its defense industry.
• Spain's recognition of Palestine and its arms embargo on Israeli companies since October 2023 reflect its broader pro-Palestinian foreign policy.