FILE PHOTO: Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez (L), and his wife, Begona Gomez, at the start of the 41st congress of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) at the Palacio de Exposiciones in Seville. AFP
Israel's charge d'affaires, Dana Erlich, was called in over "the unacceptable words and positions of the Israeli foreign minister," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Israel has not had an ambassador in Spain since the Sanchez government recognised the state of Palestine in 2024.
Spain's leftist government has been one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war on Gaza.
Madrid recalled its ambassador to Israel last week after announcing new measures aimed at "ending the genocide in Gaza," further straining relations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently described Sanchez as "antisemitic" and a "liar" after the Spanish leader expressed admiration for pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted Spain's Vuelta cycling race.
Last Friday, Erlich was summoned after Netanyahu accused Sanchez of inciting genocide against Israel.
Short link: