Florida Congressman Quits Spain Caucus Over Government’s Israel Policies

A growing dispute over America’s closest allies has sparked another political showdown, this time reaching beyond Washington and into the relationship between the United States and one of its oldest European partners.The move comes as tensions continue to rise over the war in the Middle East, with disagreements over Israel’s military campaign increasingly affecting diplomatic relationships around the world.Rep. Carlos A. Giménez announced that he has withdrawn as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing what he described as the Spanish government’s increasingly hostile policies toward Israel.In a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the Florida Republican said he made the decision reluctantly, noting Spain’s longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties to the United States and to South Florida.“As a proud Cuban-American and a steadfast defender of democracy, international security, and the U.S. alliance network, I did not make this decision lightly,” Giménez wrote.He said he has spent much of his career working to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Spain but argued that recent actions by Sánchez’s government made it impossible for him to continue serving in the caucus.Giménez accused the Spanish government of escalating what he called a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country continues to face threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other terrorist organizations.He further argued that Spain has moved beyond legitimate policy disagreements with Israel and has instead embraced rhetoric that he believes enables antisemitism.“Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote.Among his strongest criticisms was Spain’s reported decision to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli government officials from entering the country.