Rep. Carlos Giménez withdrew as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus on Thursday, citing the Spanish government’s policies toward Israel as fundamentally incompatible with shared democratic values.
The Florida Republican’s decision marks an escalation in tensions between U.S. lawmakers and Madrid over Middle East foreign policy. Giménez, in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, said he could no longer represent an organization meant to celebrate bilateral friendship while Spain’s government pursues what he called hostile actions against Israel.
The Withdrawal
Giménez stated he made the decision reluctantly, emphasizing Spain’s historical and economic importance to the United States and South Florida. “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,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
The congressman accused Spain of moving beyond legitimate policy disagreements into what he described as normalized antisemitic rhetoric. He pointed to Spain’s prohibition on Israeli Defense Force members and certain government officials entering the country as “unprecedented and shameful.”
Key Criticisms
Giménez also targeted Spain’s restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including reported arms embargoes and defense transportation limits. He argued these policies place Spain “firmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom” during a period when Israel faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other organizations.
“To bar the brave men and women of the IDF while your political apparatus simultaneously legitimizes terrorist networks is a betrayal of Western values,” Giménez wrote in the letter.
Broader European Divisions
The dispute reflects deepening rifts among Western allies over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with several European governments adopting stances that have generated both international praise and criticism. Spain has taken a comparatively more critical position toward Israel’s military operations, while officials supporting Madrid’s approach argue it addresses humanitarian concerns and upholds international law.
Giménez said he remains hopeful Spain will return to foreign policy centered on defending Western allies. “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,” he concluded.
