Spain hits Israel with minister entry ban, arms embargo

The Spanish government on Tuesday said it was banning Israeli ministers from entering the country and "anyone participating directly in genocide, the violation of human rights and war crimes in Gaza," as well as imposing an arms embargo.

The Cabinet explicitly named Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, broadcaster RTVE reported.

Spain could not stand by idle in the light of so many innocent deaths in Gaza, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told journalists after the Cabinet meeting.

A list of banned persons would be drawn up for inclusion in the Schengen information system, he said. The list would include Israeli settlers, he added.

Asked whether the decision affected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Albares pointed to decisions taken by international courts in which Spain was a party to.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had announced nine measures in support of the Palestinian population on Monday. These would include additional resources for UNRWA, the UN agency providing relief to Palestinians, and a ban on the import of products from Israeli settlements on the West Bank.

Sánchez stressed that Spain backed Israel's right to existence and to defend itself, but with reference to the situation in the Gaza Strip he added: "This is no longer defence, it's not even an attack, it is the extermination of a defenceless people."

Israel rejects allegations of genocide, accusing Hamas of using the civilian population as human shields.

Israeli is facing legal action alleging genocide brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).