Israel’s ambassador to Spain, Dana Erlich, said on Wednesday that Israel is not considering supporting Morocco’s claims over the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla, stressing that “the issue is not relevant for the current government of Benjamin Netanyahu,” according to Spanish media The Objective.
“It is not something we are thinking about in Israel because it is not relevant at a time like this,” the diplomat said, referring to what she described as a situation in which Israel is facing threats to its security and lives.
Speaking at a forum in Madrid, her remarks came in response to recent reports in some Israeli media suggesting that Israel could be willing to offer diplomatic support to Morocco regarding its claims over Ceuta and Melilla.
The Israeli diplomat stressed that Spain is an ally of Israel in various international groups and that both countries face similar threats, adding that Israel finds it surprising that the Spanish government does not see it as an ally.
The comments come amid growing calls from US figures supporting Morocco’s claim over Ceuta and Melilla.
Earlier last month, US Congress member Mario Díaz-Balart told El Español that Ceuta and Melilla are not part of Spain but are located in Moroccan territory.
In March, American researcher Michael Rubin called for a second “Green March” toward Ceuta and Melilla, saying Moroccans should gather at the border, bring bulldozers, and enter the cities unarmed to raise the flag.
Tensions between Washington and Madrid have also risen after Spain reportedly refused a US request to use the Rota and Morón military bases for operations linked to the conflict with Iran.
The Spanish government then closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in the conflict, prompting Rubio to call Spain’s position unacceptable and suggest reviewing NATO’s role.
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