Spain has barred the use of its military bases for the transfer of US weapons to Israel, El País reported.
The measure applies to aircraft and ships regardless of whether the shipments go directly to Israel or transit through third countries.
The initiative covers the bases in Rota, on the Atlantic coast of Cádiz province, and in Morón, southern Spain, which host US forces but remain under Spanish sovereignty.
Madrid authorizes what passes through the bases, particularly when shipments involve sensitive or disputed cargo.
Spain does not inspect US aircraft or ships using the bases, which could allow Washington to conceal military cargo.
However, sources cited by El País note that such an action is unlikely, as it could strain relations between Madrid and Washington, both NATO allies.
Moreover, given the scale of US arms deliveries to Israel, concealment is considered improbable.
Recent transfers, including six F-35 fighter jets delivered in April and March, bypassed Rota and Morón, instead making stopovers in the Azores, according to the Spanish news outlet.
Arms Embargo
Spain, which has strongly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, is urging the European Union to take stronger measures, including suspending the EU-Israel cooperation agreement.
Earlier this month, the Spanish government enacted a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, describing it as part of a broader effort to stop “the genocide in Gaza,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explained.
The decision bars all exports of defense equipment and dual-use goods or technologies to Israel, as well as their import into Spain.
It also prohibits the transit of aircraft fuel with potential military uses and forbids the import of products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Earlier this year, Madrid suspended the license of Rafael’s subsidiary, Pap Tecnos, to produce 168 Spike LR2 missiles for its armed forces under a $325 million contract and canceled a $7.7-million contract for bullets with the Israeli company IMI Systems.
