Florida Republican Rep. Carlos A. Giménez resigned as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus on Wednesday, citing the Spanish government’s policies toward Israel.
Giménez announced his withdrawal in a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The congressman said he made the decision reluctantly given Spain’s longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties to the United States and South Florida.
What Sparked the Resignation
Giménez accused Spain’s government of escalating a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He argued that Spain has moved beyond legitimate policy disagreements and instead embraced rhetoric that enables antisemitism.
“Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote in his letter. He particularly criticized Spain’s reported decision to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli government officials from entering the country.
The congressman also cited Spain’s restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and limits on defense transportation. He described these policies as placing Spain “firmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom.”
The Congressional Caucus Context
Giménez said the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus exists to strengthen relations between the United States and Spain based on shared democratic values. According to him, Spain’s recent policies toward Israel 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. “Until then, I can no longer lend my name to an organization intended to celebrate bilateral friendship while your government actively works to undermine democratic principles.”
Broader European Divisions
The resignation reflects continuing divisions among Western allies over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Several European governments have taken positions that have drawn both praise and criticism internationally.
Spain has been among European countries taking a more critical stance toward Israel’s conduct during the conflict. Supporters of the Sánchez government argue its policies address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law.
Giménez’s decision underscores how disagreements over the Middle East continue to shape diplomatic and political relationships far beyond the region itself.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
