Rep. Carlos A. Giménez of Florida resigned as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus on Wednesday, citing the Spanish government’s policies toward Israel.
Giménez, a Republican, announced his withdrawal in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The move reflects escalating tensions among Western allies over the Middle East conflict and differing stances on Israeli military operations.
Why He Stepped Down
Giménez accused Spain’s government of adopting what he called a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He argued that Spain had crossed from policy disagreement into antisemitic rhetoric.
“Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote in his letter. He said he could no longer serve in an organization intended to celebrate bilateral friendship while Spain’s government undermined democratic principles.
The congressman specifically criticized Spain’s reported ban on Israeli Defense Forces members and certain Israeli officials from entering the country. He called the policy “unprecedented and shameful” and argued it unfairly targeted Israeli military personnel while legitimizing terrorist organizations.
Military and Diplomatic Concerns
Giménez also objected to Spain’s restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and defense transportation limits. He contended these actions placed Spain “firmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom.”
The Cuban-American lawmaker emphasized that the caucus was designed to strengthen U.S.-Spain relations based on shared democratic values, which he said the Sánchez government no longer upholds. “I did not make this decision lightly,” he wrote, citing his career-long work to build the bilateral relationship.
Broader European Tensions
Giménez’s resignation reflects deeper divisions among Western allies over Israel’s conduct in the conflict with Hamas. Several European governments have adopted more critical positions on Israeli military operations in recent months.
Spain has been among European nations taking a tougher stance toward Israel, while government supporters argue the policies address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law. The disagreement underscores how Middle East conflicts continue reshaping diplomatic relationships across the Atlantic.