The Spanish government is facing an unprecedented crisis within its coalition as tensions rise between the PSOE and Sumar. The friction stems from a contentious decision by the Ministry of Interior to proceed with a €6.6 million contract to purchase 15 million bullets from an Israeli company, Guardian Defense & Homeland Security S.A., a subsidiary of Guardian LTD Israel. This move directly contradicts a previous agreement to suspend arms purchases from Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The situation is escalating rapidly, potentially threatening the stability of the coalition government.
The Genesis of the Conflict
The initial decision to halt arms purchases from Israel was made in October, amidst growing international concern over the situation in Gaza. As reported by Paula Chouza of El País, the government initially pledged to avoid contributing to the conflict through arms deals. However, Fernando Grande-Marlaska's Ministry of Interior has now reversed course, citing legal advice from the State Attorney’s Office indicating that canceling the contract could result in significant financial penalties.
Sumar's Strong Opposition
Sumar, the coalition's minority partner led by Yolanda Díaz, is vehemently opposing the decision. They view it as a «flagrant violation» of the coalition agreement and a betrayal of Spain's commitment to the Palestinian people. Díaz has demanded immediate rectification of the contract and a public explanation from Minister Grande-Marlaska. The party emphasizes that suspending arms trade with Israel aligns with international treaties on arms trade, especially given the «genocide» they claim the Palestinian people are suffering.
IU's Ultimatum: A Potential Government Exit
Within Sumar, Izquierda Unida (IU) is taking an even harder stance. Antonio Maíllo, IU's federal coordinator, has warned that his party will not tolerate any government funds being used to finance what he describes as a «genocidal state.» Enrique Santiago, IU's parliamentary spokesperson, acknowledged the «serious contradiction» his party faces. While prioritizing the preservation of Spain’s progressive coalition, he admitted that IU might consider leaving the government if the contract isn't canceled. He stated that IU is not the one violating the coalition agreements and has requested an urgent meeting to assess the situation and seek explanations.
Legal Arguments and Rebuttals
The Abogacía del Estado's argument, which defends the continuity of the contract to avoid financial penalties, has been met with strong rebuttals. Santiago, from IU, has even offered the legal services of his party and parliamentary group to cancel the contract, indirectly calling for the resignation of Grande-Marlaska and Defense Minister Margarita Robles if they fail to rescind the agreement. He insists that sufficient legal arguments exist to prevent Spain from becoming complicit in a «genocide» by providing resources to a state that allegedly violates UN resolutions. He argues that no amount of money can justify Spain's complicity in what they see as a genocide.
Wider Political Fallout
The controversy extends beyond Sumar and IU. Sira Rego, Minister of Youth and Childhood (also from IU), has sent a formal letter to Grande-Marlaska, demanding the immediate cancellation of the contract and an audit of any other commercial relationships with Israel in this area. Rego argues that purchasing weapons «tested in combat against the Palestinian civilian population» directly contradicts Spain's international stance and the feelings of the majority of the population. Alberto Ibáñez, spokesperson for Compromís, has also publicly called for Marlaska’s resignation if the contract remains in place.
Other political voices are adding to the pressure. Podemos General Secretary, Ione Belarra, has accused the Spanish government of being «collaborative in a genocide» and criticized its «unprecedented rearmament plan,» suggesting it transforms the government into one «of war and conflict.» The Bloque Nacionalista Galego (BNG) has also issued a statement urging the government to rectify the situation and cancel all military-related contracts with Israeli companies. They argue that Spanish law and international treaties allow for the suspension of transactions with countries committing war crimes and human rights violations, which they accuse Israel of doing.
What is happening now?
The situation remains highly fluid. Sumar has requested a meeting of its party board to fully evaluate the situation and receive a full explanation. The PSOE finds itself trapped between legal advice, coalition pressures, and international considerations. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether this crisis can be resolved or if it will lead to a significant shakeup within the Spanish government.
The potential consequences are significant, ranging from a cabinet reshuffle to the collapse of the coalition and the possibility of early elections. The issue also highlights the deep divisions within Spanish society regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the country's role in international arms trade. The political future of Spain is now hanging in the balance.
