Mon Sep 15 21:42:32 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Sanchez Calls for Israel Sports Ban, Echoing Russia’s Treatment**

Madrid, Spain – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has ignited controversy by calling for international sporting organizations to ban Israel from competitions, drawing a parallel to the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking to his Socialist Party on Monday, Sanchez questioned the ethical compatibility of Israel’s participation in global events amidst its ongoing military actions in Gaza. “The sports organizations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” he stated. “Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”

Sanchez’s remarks follow a wave of pro-Palestinian activism, including disruptions at the Vuelta a Espana cycling race in Madrid, where protesters targeted the participation of the Israeli team Israel-Premier Tech.

The call for a sports ban echoes recent statements from Spanish Sports Minister Pilar Alegria, who highlighted a perceived “double standard” in the treatment of Israeli and Russian sports teams.

The comments have drawn sharp criticism from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced Sanchez as an “anti-Semite and a liar.” Tensions between Spain and Israel have been escalating, with Spain’s left-leaning government openly supporting pro-Palestinian demonstrations and reportedly planning to scrap a major weapons deal with Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems, worth nearly 700 million euros. This follows a previous agreement with Rafael that was also halted, potentially totaling nearly one billion euros in cancelled Israeli arms contracts.

Furthermore, Sanchez has unveiled nine measures designed to pressure Israel, including restricting docking and overflight rights for ships and planes carrying weapons to the country, banning imports from Israeli settlements, and pledging increased funding to UNRWA and humanitarian aid for Gaza. He described these steps as necessary to address Israel’s “barbarity” in Gaza.

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