Republican Rep. Carlos A. Giménez announced his resignation as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing what he called the Spanish government’s hostile policies toward Israel.
Giménez, a Florida congressman, made the announcement in a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on July 8. The move reflects escalating tensions among Western allies over Israel’s military campaign and diplomatic approaches to the conflict.
Why He Resigned
Giménez accused Spain’s government of waging what he described as a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He argued the Spanish government has moved beyond legitimate policy disagreements into rhetoric that enables antisemitism.
“Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote in the letter. He cited Spain’s decision to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli officials from entering the country as “unprecedented and shameful.”
The congressman also criticized Spanish restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and limits on defense transportation. He characterized these policies as placing Spain “firmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom.”
The Broader Dispute
Giménez said the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus was designed to strengthen U.S.-Spain relations based on shared democratic values. According to him, Spain’s recent policies demonstrate the Sánchez government no longer shares those principles.
“I remain hopeful that Spain will one day return to a foreign policy rooted in the defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism,” Giménez wrote. He stated he could no longer lend his name to an organization celebrating bilateral friendship while Spain’s government “actively works to undermine democratic principles.”
What This Means
The resignation underscores continuing divisions among Western allies over the Israel-Hamas conflict and how disagreements over Middle East policy are reshaping diplomatic relationships globally. Several European governments have taken critical stances toward Israel’s conduct during the conflict, drawing both praise and criticism internationally.
Spain has been among European nations adopting a more critical position toward Israel, though supporters of the Sánchez government argue its policies address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law. Giménez’s departure from the bipartisan caucus demonstrates how Middle East tensions continue affecting political relationships far beyond the region itself.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Team contributed to this report.
