Spain to Completely Withdraw its Ambassador From Israel

The Spanish government has dismissed the country’s ambassador to Israel, Ana Salomon. The decision was published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) following the Council of Ministers meeting on 10 March.

Salomon had served as ambassador in Tel Aviv since July 2021. In September 2025, she was recalled to Madrid for consultations after Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, called the Spanish government “antisemitic.” Since then, Salomon had remained in Spain.

After her dismissal, Spain’s diplomatic mission in Israel will be headed by a chargé d’affaires ad interim, which means the level of diplomatic representation has been downgraded. Israel’s mission in Madrid is currently operating at the same level.

Relations between the two countries have worsened amid a series of political disputes. Israel previously summoned Spain’s ambassador for explanations over Spanish officials’ statements about the situation in Gaza. In addition, in May 2024 Israel recalled its ambassador from Madrid after Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine.

Spain will now have to appoint a new ambassador to Israel if the government decides to restore diplomatic representation to its previous level. However, the candidate would need the approval of the Israeli authorities, and it is not yet known when that might happen.