Rep. Carlos A. Giménez of Florida has withdrawn as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus this week, citing what he characterizes as the Spanish government’s increasingly hostile stance toward Israel amid ongoing Middle East conflict tensions.
The resignation underscores deepening divisions among U.S. allies over Israel’s military operations and signals how disagreements over Middle East policy are reshaping diplomatic relationships across the Atlantic. Spain has emerged among European nations adopting a more critical posture toward Israeli military conduct during the conflict with Hamas.
What Happened
Giménez, a Miami-area Republican, submitted a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announcing his decision to leave the caucus, which exists to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Spain. In the letter, Giménez said he made the choice reluctantly, given Spain’s historical, cultural, and economic importance to the U.S. and to South Florida specifically.
Giménez cited several specific Spanish government actions as the reason for his departure. He pointed to Spain’s reported ban on Israeli Defense Forces members and certain Israeli officials from entering the country, calling the measure “unprecedented and shameful.” He also criticized Spanish military restrictions on cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and defense transportation limitations.
In his written statement, Giménez accused Spain of conducting a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other designated terrorist organizations. “Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” he wrote, arguing that the government’s approach enables dangerous speech against Jewish people.
The Reaction
Giménez described the decision as difficult, emphasizing his long career working to strengthen U.S.-Spain relations. As a Cuban-American who has positioned himself as a defender of democracy and Western alliances, he framed his withdrawal as necessary to maintain his principles. “I remain hopeful that Spain will one day return to a foreign policy rooted in the defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism,” Giménez wrote.
The congressman’s action reflects broader American political disagreement over European responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized European governments for what they view as disproportionate pressure on Israel, while others contend that such criticism reflects legitimate concerns about civilian harm and international law compliance.
What This Means
Giménez’s departure signals how Middle East policy disputes are now influencing formal institutional relationships between longtime allies. The Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, a bipartisan group meant to celebrate democratic partnership, has become a casualty of transatlantic disagreement over how Western nations should respond to regional security challenges.
Spain’s government has defended its positions as reflecting humanitarian concerns and commitment to international law. Supporters of Sánchez’s foreign policy argue that European criticism of Israeli military conduct is compatible with supporting democratic values and should not be conflated with antisemitism or hostility toward the Jewish state.
The episode underscores how the conflict between Israel and Hamas has rippled beyond the Middle East, creating friction within the Western alliance and influencing diplomatic relationships that have endured for generations. Disagreements among European and American leaders over how to balance support for Israel with criticism of specific policies show no signs of narrowing.
