A growing rift between the United States and one of its oldest European allies is deepening. Florida Republican Congressman Carlos Giménez has stepped down as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing Spain’s increasingly critical stance toward Israel.
In a sharply worded letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Rep. Giménez announced his withdrawal from the bipartisan caucus, saying recent Spanish government actions have made it impossible for him to continue.
The Florida Republican, a proud Cuban-American and longtime advocate for strong U.S.-Spain ties, expressed reluctance but argued that Spain has crossed a line.
“Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote.
He pointed to Spain’s reported ban on Israel Defense Forces members and certain Israeli officials entering the country, calling it “unprecedented and shameful.” Giménez also criticized restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and limits on defense-related activities.
The congressman accused the Sánchez government of escalating a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the Jewish state faces ongoing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other terrorist groups. He said these policies place Spain “firmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom.”
Giménez emphasized that the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus is meant to strengthen relations based on shared democratic values — values he believes Spain no longer upholds under its current leadership.
He concluded by expressing hope that Spain will eventually return to a foreign policy rooted in “defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism.” Until then, he said he can no longer lend his name to the caucus.
Context / Tag: This move highlights the widening divisions among Western allies over the Israel-Hamas war. Spain has been one of the more vocal European critics of Israel’s military campaign, citing humanitarian concerns and international law. Supporters of the Sánchez government defend the policies, while critics like Giménez argue they undermine shared democratic principles and reward terrorism.
The dispute underscores how the Middle East conflict continues to strain even longstanding transatlantic partnerships.
