Spain has officially canceled a $7.5 million (€6.6 million) arms contract with Israeli weapons manufacturer IMI Systems, amid rising internal political pressure and public criticism over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The deal, which involved purchasing over 15 million rounds of 9mm ammunition for Spain’s Guardia Civil, faced strong opposition from junior coalition partner Sumar. The left-wing group denounced any weapons trade with Israel, labeling it a “genocidal state” and warning the contract violated Spain’s official pro-Palestinian stance.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has publicly questioned whether Israel is complying with international humanitarian law, had pledged to halt all arms dealings with Israel following the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. His government has since recognized a Palestinian state and repeatedly voiced concern over the rising Palestinian death toll, calling the situation “truly unbearable.”
Despite this, Spain’s Interior Ministry had argued that the bullet deal was too advanced and essential for national police forces to abandon. However, pressure from Sumar, led by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, along with widespread backlash from civil society, forced the government to reverse course.
On Thursday, both Sánchez and Díaz’s offices confirmed the contract would be scrapped and no import license would be granted. Officials cited a “complete breakdown in negotiations” with IMI Systems and are now consulting legal advisors on the fallout.
A government statement reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to peace and justice in the Middle East: “The parties that make up the progressive coalition government are firmly committed to the Palestinian cause. Spain will neither buy arms from, nor sell arms to, Israeli companies.”
The controversy has deepened internal divisions within the ruling coalition, particularly as Sumar also opposes a proposed €10.5 billion hike in defense spending to meet NATO targets—further highlighting the tension between foreign policy ideals and military obligations.