Fact Check: United States and Israel severed any relationship with Spain

Fact Check: "United States and Israel severed any relationship with Spain"

What We Know

The claim that the United States and Israel have severed any relationship with Spain is not supported by the available evidence. According to the U.S. Department of State, the relationship between the United States and Israel remains strong, characterized by shared commitments to democracy, economic prosperity, and regional security. The bilateral trade between the U.S. and Israel is substantial, amounting to nearly $50 billion annually.

In Spain, political tensions regarding Israel have been rising, particularly from the far-left party Podemos, which has threatened to withdraw support for the Spanish government's budget unless it breaks diplomatic relations with Israel. This situation was highlighted in a recent article stating that Podemos is pushing for the government to sever ties with Israel as a condition for supporting the 2025 budget (Algemeiner). However, these political maneuvers do not equate to an actual severance of diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel, nor do they involve the United States.

Analysis

The assertion that the United States and Israel have severed ties with Spain appears to stem from political rhetoric rather than factual developments. While Podemos has made strong statements against Israel, including calls for breaking diplomatic relations, these statements reflect internal political dynamics within Spain rather than a formal change in international relations (Algemeiner).

Furthermore, the U.S. has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to Israel, as noted in the Department of State's fact sheet. The relationship is described as "unbreakable," and there is no indication that Spain's internal political disputes have led to any official severance of ties with either the U.S. or Israel.

The claim also overlooks the broader context of Spain's foreign policy, which has historically maintained a complex relationship with both Israel and Palestine. Despite recent criticisms of Israel from Spanish officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Spain has not officially severed diplomatic relations. In fact, Sánchez has called for EU members to reconsider their trade agreements with Israel, but this does not equate to a complete severance of ties (Media Line).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that the United States and Israel have severed any relationship with Spain is inaccurate. While there are internal political pressures in Spain that may affect its diplomatic stance towards Israel, no formal severance of relations has occurred. The United States continues to maintain a strong and supportive relationship with Israel, and Spain's diplomatic ties remain intact despite political rhetoric.