Spain recalls ambassador to Israel

(Patria) - The Spanish government has dismissed its ambassador to Israel, Ana Salomón, who was recalled for consultations last September following diplomatic disputes between the two countries, officials announced on Wednesday.

The decision to dismiss her was published in the official state gazette and approved by King Felipe VI. The decision states that the dismissal was made "at the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs," with thanks to Salomón for her work to date.

Salomón, who was appointed in July 2021, was recalled after a series of disagreements between Madrid and Tel Aviv. Tensions arose due to measures taken by Israel against certain Spanish ministers, as well as due to the positions of Pedro Sánchez and his government on the situation in Gaza.

During that period, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly summoned the Spanish ambassador for talks in protest of statements made by high-ranking Spanish officials.

Spain now needs to appoint a new ambassador to Israel, but the appointment will have to receive the approval of the Israeli authorities before the highest level of diplomatic representation is restored. In the meantime, Israel also does not have an ambassador in Madrid, and the embassy is currently headed by the Chargé d'Affaires Dana Erlich.

The timing of the appointment of a new ambassador remains uncertain, at a time when international criticism of Israel is growing due to its recent military operations in Iran and Lebanon.