A growing dispute over America’s closest allies has sparked another political showdown, this time reaching beyond Washington and into the relationship between the United States and one of its oldest European partners. The move comes as tensions continue to rise over the war in the Middle East, with disagreements over Israel’s military campaign increasingly affecting diplomatic relationships around the world.
Rep. Carlos A. Giménez announced that he has withdrawn as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing what he described as the Spanish government’s increasingly hostile policies toward Israel. In a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the Florida Republican said he made the decision reluctantly, noting Spain’s longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties to the United States and to South Florida. “As 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,” Giménez wrote.
He said he has spent much of his career working to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Spain but argued that recent actions by Sánchez’s government made it impossible for him to continue serving in the caucus. Giménez accused the Spanish government of escalating what he called a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country continues to face threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other terrorist organizations.
He further argued that Spain has moved beyond legitimate policy disagreements with Israel and has instead embraced rhetoric that he believes enables antisemitism. “Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote. Among his strongest criticisms was Spain’s reported decision to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli government officials from entering the country. Giménez described that policy as “unprecedented and shameful,” arguing that it unfairly targets members of the Israeli military while rewarding organizations that seek Israel’s destruction.
“To bar the brave men and women of the IDF … while your political apparatus simultaneously legitimizes terrorist networks and accommodationist policies, is a betrayal of Western values,” he wrote. The congressman also criticized Spain’s policies restricting military cooperation with Israel, including what he described as arms embargoes and limits affecting defense transportation. He argued those actions place Spain “firmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom.” Giménez said the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus exists to strengthen relations between the United States and Spain based on shared democratic values.
According to the congressman, Spain’s recent policies toward Israel demonstrate that the Sánchez government no longer shares those principles.
“I remain hopeful that Spain will one day return to a foreign policy rooted in the defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism,” Giménez wrote. “Until then, I can no longer lend my name to an organization intended to celebrate bilateral friendship while your government actively works to undermine democratic principles,” he said in his letter. The letter reflects continuing divisions among Western allies over the conflict involving Israel and Hamas, with several European governments taking positions that have drawn both praise and criticism internationally.
Spain has been among the European countries that have taken a more critical stance toward Israel’s conduct during the conflict, while supporters of the Sánchez government have argued that its policies are intended to address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law.
Giménez’s decision to step down from the bipartisan caucus underscores how disagreements over the Middle East continue to shape diplomatic and political relationships well beyond the region itself.
