Israel calls Spanish PM “a disgrace” after protestors disorder

Israel has called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez “a disgrace” to his country after pro-Palestinian demonstrators brought an early end to the Vuelta a Espana cycling competition, The National reported on September 15th. 

The annual three-week race has been repeatedly targeted by protesters demanding an end to the war in Gaza due to the participation of Israel-Premier Tech team. On September 14th, the race resulted in police charging at demonstrators and firing tear gas after demonstrators overwhelmed police and descended upon the course in Madrid.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed the Spanish leader has “encourag[ed] the protesters to take to the streets” of Madrid through “his incitements”, hours after the last stage of the competition was ditched, due to protestors obstructing the route. 

Spain’s political class have been in dispute over the disruptions with the right-wing opposition Popular Party, which runs the Madrid region and Madrid’s council. Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said: “The government has allowed and induced the non-completion of the Vuelta and, in this way, an international embarrassment televised worldwide.”

But far left Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz hailed Spanish society for “giving a lesson to the world”. Diaz, who has also been barred from entering Israel, because of her stance on the Gaza war, wrote on Instagram: “Israel cannot compete in any event while it continues to commit a genocide.”

Several figures of the Spanish left government have vocally backed the Palestinian cause. On May 30th the Spanish foreign ministry said Israel’s West Bank settlements are illegal under international law. The country has also called for the EU to review its relations with Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Support for Palestine has also come directly from Prime Minister Sánchez, who made his first public remarks on the matter, before the final stage. Speaking at a Socialist party gathering in Malaga the Spanish leader said his nation was “an example to an international community where it sees Spain taking a step forward in the defence of human rights.”

Madrid’s mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida denounced the events of September 14th and also accused the political left of inciting disorder, stating: “What has happened today in Madrid is the fruit of hate and violence that have been irresponsibly encouraged in recent days by leaders from the left.”

Owned by the Israeli-Canadian property developer, Sylvan Adams, Israel-Premier Tech, is a private outfit rather than a state entity, which was commended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for continuing to compete in spite of the demonstrations.

The National, Maghrebi.org