Spanish council implements 'total arms embargo' on Israel

Spain’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a law permanently banning the purchase and sale of arms and military equipment to Israel, local media has reported. 

The Royal Decree-Law adopted urgent measures against the genocide in Gaza and in support of the Palestinian population. It includes the arms embargo on Israel announced by Pedro Sanchez, as well as a ban on imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements. 

The decree considers the passage of arms ships to Israel through Spanish ports a crime. 

According to Spanish news outlet Publico, the decree stipulates that the Spanish government may “exceptionally” authorise transfers of defence material based on “general national interests”.

The decree also allows for the termination of past authorisations.