A diplomatic dispute has emerged between Israel and Spain after a large effigy of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was set alight during a town event in southern Spain, prompting Israel to say it had reprimanded Spain’s top diplomat in Tel Aviv over the incident.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the act, describing it as antisemitic and accusing the Spanish government of contributing to a hostile climate through its public rhetoric on Israel.
Spain rejected the allegation, with a Foreign Ministry source saying it “totally rejects any insidious suggestion” linking the incident to official government policy, and reaffirming its stance against antisemitism and discrimination.
Local officials in El Burgo said the tradition has historically featured effigies of various global figures, including U.S. President, Donald Trump. and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, as part of its cultural celebrations.
The incident comes amid already strained relations between Israel and Spain, which have been at odds over the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East tensions.
Israel has previously criticised Spain’s restrictions on military-related shipments through its territory, while Spain has accused Israel of violations of international law in its military operations.
The latest diplomatic exchange adds to a growing row between both countries, which has intensified alongside wider geopolitical divisions over the conflicts in Gaza and the region.
