Spain’s government on Thursday cancelled a $7.5 million arms deal with Israeli company IMI Systems, following pressure from far-left members within its fragile governing coalition.
The deal, which involved the purchase of 15 million rounds of ammunition for Spain’s Civil Guard, drew sharp criticism from Sumar—a bloc of left-wing parties—who warned it violated Spain’s pledges on Gaza and threatened to exit the coalition.
According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, along with top ministers, had “exhausted all routes for negotiation” before deciding to rescind the contract.
The deal had sparked internal division after it was signed in February 2024, months after Spain vowed not to sell or purchase arms from Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Despite an initial feasibility study in October 2024 advising against cancellation—citing potential compensation to the supplier—the Interior Ministry moved ahead with the contract until renewed pressure this week forced a reversal.
Sumar leader and Deputy PM Yolanda Díaz called the deal “a flagrant violation of the agreements,” adding, “we are witnessing the live genocide of the Palestinian people.”
Polls show the Spanish public remains divided: 48.5% oppose the ammunition deal, while 47% support it.
Analysts warn the controversy may strain already tense ties within the coalition, particularly as the Sánchez government recently committed to raising defence spending to 2% of GDP to meet NATO targets—another move opposed by Sumar.
While civic groups welcomed the cancellation, critics like political analyst Astrid Barrio López argued it undermines confidence in government contracts. The Israeli embassy in Madrid did not comment on the development.
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