Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, has threatened to close the Spanish Consulate General in Jerusalem if it does not comply with the order to suspend any contact with the Palestinian population starting tomorrow, Saturday, after rejecting Spain’s demand to lift these restrictions. Katz’s threat comes in response to the formal protest lodged by Spain against the obstacles imposed on the functioning of the Spanish Consulate General in Jerusalem. The situation has escalated into a serious diplomatic crisis with Israel following Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian state on May 28th. The threat by Katz represents a significant escalation in the diplomatic crisis with Israel.
In response to the restrictions imposed by the Israeli government on the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem, Spain has protested formally, asserting that these unilateral measures violate the Vienna Convention, which governs diplomatic relations. Spain has stated that measures must be based on reciprocity, indicating that similar restrictions could be imposed on Israel’s consular activities in Spain. The Spanish government has rejected any hindrance to the normal activities of the Consulate General of Spain in Jerusalem, pointing out that its status is guaranteed by international law and the Vienna Convention. They have called for a reversal of Israel’s decision to unilaterally change the consulate’s status.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a letter to the Spanish Embassy in Tel Aviv on Monday, stating that from June 1st, the Spanish consulate could only provide services to residents in the consular district of Jerusalem, excluding residents in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza, except for Spanish citizens. The Spanish Consulate, located in East Jerusalem, has been responsible for relations with the Palestinian people, while the Embassy in Tel Aviv deals with the State of Israel. Spain has expressed its concerns that Israel’s actions violate the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations, as they guarantee privileges and immunities for diplomatic and consular personnel accredited in another country.
Spain has issued a formal protest after commissioning a study by the International Legal Advisory of the ministry, concluding that Israel’s measures violate the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations and undermine the historical prerogatives and immunities of the Consulate General of Spain in Jerusalem. Additionally, Spain is preparing a diplomatic protest against the insults made by the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, accusing Spanish President Pedro Sánchez of supporting incitement to the murder of the Jewish people by recognizing the State of Palestine. Spain plans to respond “serenely, firmly, and in coordination” with Norway and Ireland, which have also recognized the State of Palestine and faced criticism from Israel.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has spoken with his Norwegian and Irish counterparts to coordinate a joint response to the false accusations and attacks launched by Israel. The three countries plan to issue a joint communication addressing the falsehoods and slander directed towards their governments. Albares is currently in Prague, participating in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers alongside the Norwegian Foreign Minister. Spain is preparing a coordinated response with Norway and Ireland to combat the false accusations and provocations from the Israeli government, while maintaining a firm and measured approach to the ongoing diplomatic crisis with Israel.
