The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Israel in Spain to protest after Israeli troops attacked UN peacekeepers in Lebanon for the second consecutive day. The Spanish diplomatic move follows similar actions taken by the French and Italian governments, who have also summoned their respective ambassadors to protest against the aggression. Spain has 670 troops serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and is concerned about the safety of its personnel in the region.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy to express its dissatisfaction with the Israeli military’s unjustified attacks on UNIFIL positions and recent comments about Spain and the Spanish people. This refers to a recent statement by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs accusing Spain of being a haven for inciting hatred and destruction towards Israel, a criticism that was deemed inappropriate by Minister José Manuel Albares. The newly appointed Israeli Ambassador, Zvi Vapni, has not yet taken up his position, leaving the Embassy in Madrid vacant since May when the previous Ambassador was called back to Israel.
The Spanish government is particularly concerned about the safety and security of its troops serving in UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, where tensions are high due to ongoing conflicts in the region. The attacks by Israeli troops on UN peacekeepers have been condemned by several European countries with troops in the area, including France and Italy. Spain, along with other European nations, is calling on Israel to respect the safety and security of UN personnel and to refrain from any further aggression towards peacekeeping forces in the region.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is determined to defend the rights and safety of its troops serving in UNIFIL and to ensure that they can carry out their mission of maintaining peace and stability in the region without fear of attack. The government’s decision to summon the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy demonstrates Spain’s commitment to upholding international law and protecting the rights of UN peacekeepers. The Spanish government is working closely with its European partners to address this issue and to hold Israel accountable for its actions against peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
The Spanish government’s actions are part of a coordinated effort with other European countries to address the recent attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. By joining France and Italy in protesting against Israel’s actions, Spain is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate any aggression towards UN peacekeepers serving in the region. The collective response from European governments reflects a strong commitment to upholding the principles of international law and ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel in conflict zones around the world.
In conclusion, the Spanish government’s decision to summon the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy in Madrid is a clear indication of its commitment to defending the safety and security of its troops serving in UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. By taking a firm stance against Israel’s unjustified attacks on UN peacekeepers, Spain is demonstrating its dedication to upholding international law and protecting the rights of peacekeepers around the world. The coordinated efforts of Spain, France, Italy, and other European nations reflect a united front in condemning aggression towards UN personnel and ensuring that they can carry out their mission of maintaining peace and stability in conflict areas.
