Spain has banned United States military planes and ships transporting weapons to Israel from using its bases, a significant move that challenges the flow of American military support and highlights growing Western dissent over the Gaza war .
The decision prohibits US aircraft and vessels loaded with arms, ammunition, or military equipment destined for Israel from transiting through the strategic Spanish bases at Rota, in Cadiz, and Morón de la Frontera, near Seville . Spanish officials, speaking anonymously, firmly stated that "Rota and Morón are not a sieve," emphasizing that the bases operate under Spanish sovereignty and require Madrid's authorization for all activity .
This policy stems from a 1988 defense agreement with the US, which grants American forces access to the bases but includes key limitations. The pact requires Spain to specifically approve any transport of "controversial" passengers or cargo . Spanish authorities now classify weapons for Israel, amid its ongoing military operation in Gaza, as falling under this restriction . While US aircraft permanently deployed in Spain enjoy broad freedom of movement, all other US military flights must request authorization at least 48 hours in advance, with "controversial" shipments needing case-by-case approval .
The ban reflects a deliberate policy from the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Earlier in September, Sánchez announced a suite of nine measures aimed at what he termed stopping "the genocide in Gaza" . These measures included a legally permanent arms embargo on Israel, a ban on ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from using Spanish ports, and a denial of Spanish airspace to state aircraft transporting defense material to Israel . Sánchez argued that Israel's military operation "has ended up becoming a new wave of illegal occupations, and an unjustifiable attack against the Palestinian civilian population" .
The United States has been the primary source of weapons and military equipment for Israel since the war began. The Israeli Defense Ministry has reported receiving 940 US aircraft and vessels loaded with arms since October 2023 . This massive airlift has delivered over 90,000 tons of military equipment, including munitions, armored vehicles, and protective gear .
Internal US government communications have shown a relentless effort to maintain this arms pipeline. For instance, in late January, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew urged Washington to approve thousands more bombs for Israel, arguing the country had a "decades-long proven track record" of avoiding civilian casualties . This assessment was sent even as other State Department officials documented potential human rights violations .
Spain's new restrictions have already altered US military logistics. Earlier this year, the US delivered six advanced F-35 fighter jets to Israel. Instead of routing them through Spanish bases, the planes made a stopover in the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, before flying toward the Strait of Gibraltar . This demonstrates that Washington is aware of and has so far respected Madrid's position, seeking alternatives to avoid a direct confrontation .
The US State Department has described Spain's broader package of measures as "deeply concerning," warning that such restrictions "potentially limit American military operations" . Despite these complaints, Spanish officials maintain that Madrid has the sovereign right to deny authorizations for politically sensitive shipments .
Country Primary Stance Key Action on Arms
Spain Condemns Israeli offensive; seeks to pressure Israel Full arms embargo on Israel; bans US weapon transits
United States Stresses Israel's right to defend itself; urges more civilian protection Continues major arms shipments; over $17.9B in military aid since war start
Israel Defends campaign as military necessity to eradicate Hamas Requests and relies on continuous US weapon deliveries
The Spanish ban underscores a wider political dilemma for Western nations. Governments are torn between longstanding defense alliances and domestic political pressure to take a moral stand against the high civilian death toll in Gaza . Spain's actions show a willingness to leverage its strategic assets to enforce its foreign policy, even when it complicates relations with a powerful ally like the United States.