Pedro Sanchez (Image Source: Getty) Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, has called for international sport to bar Israel from the world arena, comparing its operations in Gaza with Russia’s war in Ukraine and adding that, while the “barbarity” continues, neither country should take part. It followed the day that pro-Palestinian demonstrators interrupted the final stage of La Vuelta a España in Madrid, blocking roads and forcing the cancellation of the finish while the Israel–Premier Tech cycling team competed.Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded by unleashing a storm of criticism on Sánchez, declaring him “a disgrace” and accusing him of inciting protests that spoiled the sporting event and stirred up antisemitic feelings. Sa’ar stepped up, calling Sánchez “an antisemite and a liar,” disputing the way the Spanish leader characterized the events and asserting that Israel was defending itself following the terror attack by Hamas on October 7.
Pedro Sánchez’s remarks draw global attention
Sánchez’s remarks were made at a Socialist Party event. They came after Madrid was rocked by chaos as barriers were hurled onto the La Vuelta route as the race reached its climax over the weekend, resulting in clashes with police. He said, “Why was Russia expelled after the invasion of Ukraine and not Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” He called on sports organisations to consider the morality of allowing Israel to take part in international sporting events and competitions when the conflict with Gaza is ongoing.In addition to the appeal for exclusion, Sánchez has outlined multiple steps to further pressure Israel, which would include an arms embargo, limits on transport and trade, and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Such steps are part of Spain’s wider campaign to express opposition to Israeli assaults on Gaza, whatever the term “barbaric” used by Maduro.Also Read: IShowSpeed faces police warning in Dallas after fan meetup turns chaotic
Gideon Sa’ar accuses Pedro Sánchez of inciting antisemitism
Sa’ar has been unrestrained in that criticism. He has blamed Sánchez for “inciting” or “promoting” action by protestors that he claims caused La Vuelta to be forced to cancel the final stage. He called the demonstrations violent, warned they had crossed from protest into something more violent, and attacked Spain’s government as a “shame” for its part in what he considered as legitimising or laying the ground for anti-Israeli sentiment.He added that even if Sánchez’s narrative about parallels with Russia were true, “What is happening (in Israel) is not aggression but an attack by Hamas.” In Sa’ar’s telling, Sánchez is antisemitic, apparently by framing some attitude he’s taken towards the government in such a way that actually juxtaposes criticism of Israeli policy with the truly antisemitic rhetoric.