The vote, which passes 178 votes to 169, enshrines into law an embargo that has been in effect since the war began.Published On 8 Oct 20258 Oct 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareSpain’s parliament has approved the enshrinement in law of a total arms embargo on Israel, permanently banning the sale of weapons, dual-use technology and military equipment in response to the genocide in Gaza.Lawmakers voted 178 to 169 on Wednesday to ratify a decree announced in September by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has emerged as one of the most vocal critics on the global stage of Israel’s conduct over the course of the two-year war on Gaza.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list“Israel’s response to the terrible attacks committed by the terrorist group Hamas on October 7, 2023, has ended up becoming an indiscriminate attack against the Palestinian population that the majority of experts have called genocide,” the preamble of the law reads.The measure formalises a ban that has essentially been in place since October 2023. Defence Minister Margarita Robles described the vote as “the final step in a long process” that had been playing out since the war began.Sanchez announced a decree last month to “consolidate in law” the embargo as part of a series of measures to ratchet up pressure on Israel.That announcement drew a furious response from Israel, which had already withdrawn its ambassador last year when Spain recognised a Palestinian state.Wide-reaching embargoThe law bans all exports of defence equipment, products and technology to Israel as well as the import of such goods from the country.The ban also covers the transit of fuel or material with potential military use, prohibiting ships and aircraft carrying such cargoes from entering Spanish ports and airspace. Advertisement It carves out exceptions for dual-use defence equipment “if the application of the ban harmed general national interests”.In addition, the law bans the advertising of products “coming from illegal colonies in Gaza and the West Bank”.Delayed voteThe vote had been initially schedule …
