Report 72: Collateral Profit. Arms relations between Spain and Israel Since October 7, 2023
Since October 7, 2023, Spain has stood out among its European and Atlantic partners for its critical stance on Israeli military operations that violate all rights and humanity in the Gaza Strip. However, the arms relations with Israel accumulated up to that date had not been neutral and were characterized by collaboration, opportunism, and dependency. The bulk of the arms relations between Spain and Israel after this date has not only been maintained but, in various areas, is more vibrant, abundant, and lucrative than ever since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1986.
This report aims to argue why. It is the fifth time that the Centre Delàs has dedicated a report to the arms relations between Spain and Israel, the second after October 7, 2023. In June 2024, the report “Business as Usual” showed surprise at how the core of these relations continued despite Israel’s behavior towards the Palestinian population. Over time, Centre Delàs has noted that, far from being contained, these relations are thriving, with more contract awards for larger sums of money and increased business collaboration between the two countries. Never before had so many Spanish companies or those based in Spain developed so many joint projects with Israeli companies, and never before had the Israeli industry been awarded so many contracts from the Spanish Ministry of Defense in terms of quantity (number of contracts) and economic volume. At least, this is what the available records and documentation indicate.
As in previous editions, this report goes deeper into arms trade and business collaboration areas. But it adds two new elements. The first is the transit and transshipment through Spanish territory of military material destined for Israel, which was not addressed in depth in the 2024 report, and this analysis aims to fill that gap with a detailed examination. This component is particularly concerning, as it is known that the same type of military equipment subject to transit has been widely used in military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. The second added element is an explanation of the legal initiatives in Spain related to arms trade with Israel, a consequence of the extreme outrage produced by its actions in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Alejandro Pozo and Eduardo Melero
You can read and download th executive summary in English, in Catalan and in Spanish, and the complete report in Spanish (soon available in English and in Catalan).
Share
Related publications
Last publications
