The Spanish government has banned the passage of US planes and ships loaded with weapons, ammunition, or military equipment bound for Israel through the Rota and Morón de la Frontera bases in southern Spain, according to El País newspaper.

The decision applies to ships heading directly to Israel or those passing through other ports before reaching their final destination in Tel Aviv. Spanish authorities will not inspect US shipments stopped at the bases, allowing the Pentagon to keep the cargo contents confidential.

This Spanish move comes as part of a tougher policy towards Israel amid developments in Gaza. Madrid had previously imposed an arms export ban to Tel Aviv and canceled military contracts worth hundreds of millions of euros, including deals to purchase rocket launchers and ammunition from Israeli companies.

Tensions between the two countries escalated since October 2023, when the Spanish government opposed suspending EU aid to Palestinians. This stance was further solidified by Madrid’s recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024 and its joining the lawsuit filed at the International Court of Justice against Israel.

Recently, the Spanish judiciary announced an investigation into alleged human rights violations in Gaza as a prelude to submitting the case to the International Criminal Court. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation in Gaza as a “genocide,” becoming the first European official to use this term, which Israel rejects.

In light of this, Madrid confirmed its continued commitment not to allow the use of its territory, ports, or airspace for transferring weapons to Israel, reflecting an ongoing political and diplomatic escalation towards Tel Aviv.