Rep. Carlos A. Giménez withdrew as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus on Wednesday, citing the Spanish government’s stance toward Israel.
The Florida Republican said he made the decision reluctantly given Spain’s longstanding ties to the United States. Giménez accused the Sánchez administration of escalating what he called a “hostile crusade” against Israel and adopting rhetoric that enables antisemitism.
What Triggered the Resignation
In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Giménez criticized Spain’s reported prohibition on Israeli Defense Forces members and certain Israeli officials entering the country. He called the policy “unprecedented and shameful” and argued it unfairly targets the Israeli military.
Giménez also objected to Spain’s restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and defense transportation limits. “To bar the brave men and women of the IDF … while your political apparatus simultaneously legitimizes terrorist networks, is a betrayal of Western values,” he wrote.
The Broader Context
The move reflects deepening divisions among Western allies over Israel’s military campaign in the Middle East. Several European governments, including Spain, have taken more critical positions on Israel’s conduct during the conflict.
Spain’s government has argued its policies address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law. Supporters of the Sánchez administration have defended these positions as rooted in diplomatic principles rather than hostility toward Israel.
What Comes Next
Giménez said the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus exists to strengthen bilateral relations based on shared democratic values. He expressed hope Spain would “return to a foreign policy rooted in the defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism.”
The resignation underscores how Middle East disagreements continue shaping diplomatic relationships across continents and political parties. “Until then, I can no longer lend my name to an organization intended to celebrate bilateral friendship while your government actively works to undermine democratic principles,” Giménez stated.