The Spanish government on Thursday unilaterally canceled a €6.8 million arms contract with Israeli defense company IMI Systems, following internal tensions within the ruling left-wing coalition over the deal, government sources said.
“The relevant ministries have decided to cancel the ammunition procurement contract with Israeli company IMI Systems,” the sources confirmed.
The decision comes amid strong pro-Palestinian stances held by the Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and its radical left-wing coalition partner, Sumar. Both parties have publicly committed to supporting the Palestinian cause.
“For this reason, since October 7, 2023, Spain has neither bought nor sold arms to Israeli companies—and will not do so in the future,” the sources added.
The Interior Ministry originally signed the €6.8 million deal to acquire 9mm ammunition for various units of Spain’s Civil Guard. The government had attempted to negotiate a mutual termination of the contract with IMI Systems, but talks ultimately broke down, prompting unilateral cancellation.
Spain’s coalition government, which officially recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024, has made support for Palestinian statehood a key pillar of its foreign policy. Diplomatic relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration have remained strained.
The arms deal had sparked fierce criticism from Sumar, which called it a “flagrant violation” of the government’s pledge to halt arms trade with Israel and demanded its immediate termination.
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