Florida Congressman Carlos GimĂ©nez has withdrawn as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing the Spanish governmentâs policies toward Israel.
In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SĂĄnchez dated July 8, the Republican representing Floridaâs 28th District said he could no longer serve in the role. GimĂ©nez described Spainâs recent actions as an âescalating, hostile crusadeâ against Israel at a time when the country faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other terrorist groups.
He specifically criticized Spainâs decision to bar members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli officials from entering the country, calling it âunprecedented and shameful.â GimĂ©nez also objected to restrictions on military cooperation and what he described as rhetoric that crosses from policy disagreement into antisemitism.
âAs a proud Cuban-American and a steadfast defender of democracy, international security, and the U.S. alliance network, I did not make this decision lightly,â GimĂ©nez wrote. He noted Spainâs long historical, cultural, and economic ties to the United States and South Florida, and said he had worked for years to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
The caucus, he said, exists to promote shared democratic values. In his view, the SĂĄnchez governmentâs approach to Israel shows it no longer shares those principles. GimĂ©nez expressed hope that Spain would eventually return to a foreign policy supporting Western allies and clarity against terrorism, but said he could not continue lending his name to the group in the meantime.
The move highlights ongoing divisions among Western allies over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Spain has taken a more critical stance toward Israelâs military campaign, with supporters of the government arguing the policies address humanitarian concerns and international law. GimĂ©nezâs resignation underscores how disagreements over the Middle East continue to affect broader diplomatic and political relationships.
