Spain blocks US arms transit to Israel via military bases

The Spanish government has barred the transit of US military aircraft and naval vessels transporting weapons, ammunition, or military equipment to Israel through its strategic military bases at Rota (Cádiz province) and Morón de la Frontera (Seville province).

The restriction applies to both direct shipments to Israel and makes intermediate stops en route to the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing Spanish media.

Although Spain does not conduct inspections of American transport vehicles using its bases, the policy is rooted in diplomatic trust between the allies.

Sources suggest that while the Pentagon could technically obscure the nature of its cargo, doing so would risk undermining the mutual confidence that underpins bilateral military cooperation.

This development follows a broader hardening of Spain’s position toward Israel. Earlier this year, the Spanish Council of Ministers formally adopted a decree enshrining a legal embargo on arms exports to the Israeli state. 

By Vafa Guliyeva