JERUSALEM, — April 10, 2026 : Israel has formally removed Spain from participation in the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, a U.S.-led multinational facility responsible for overseeing ceasefire implementation and aid coordination in Gaza. The decision was announced on Friday by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and carried out in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United States.
The move immediately ends Spain’s involvement in the CMCC, where it had maintained representatives and participated in ongoing coordination meetings. Israeli officials stated that Spain was formally notified of the decision, while Washington was informed in advance.
CMCC Role and Structure
The Civil-Military Coordination Center was established in October 2025 under the authority of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of the Gaza peace framework introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The center was created following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025.
Located at a military installation in Kiryat Gat in southern Israel, the CMCC functions as the central hub for coordinating humanitarian assistance, logistical support, and security arrangements related to Gaza. It also monitors compliance with ceasefire terms and supports post-conflict stabilization efforts.
The facility includes approximately 600 personnel and representatives from multiple partner countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Spain had been among the participating European contributors prior to its removal.
Israeli Government Position
Foreign Minister Sa’ar stated that the decision was based on what he described as a “blatant anti-Israel bias” by the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. According to Sa’ar, Spain’s positions and actions, including its conduct during the recent conflict involving Iran, demonstrated that it could no longer function as a constructive participant in the CMCC or in implementing the U.S.-backed Gaza framework.
Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that he had instructed the removal of Spanish representatives, stating that Spain had repeatedly taken positions opposing Israel. He added that countries engaging in diplomatic actions against Israel would face consequences, including exclusion from cooperative mechanisms such as the CMCC.
Deterioration in Israel–Spain Relations
Spain’s exclusion follows a sustained decline in bilateral relations between Madrid and Jerusalem over recent years.
In 2024, Spain formally recognized a Palestinian state, a move that contributed to an initial downgrade in diplomatic ties. Since then, Spain has consistently criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza.
In March 2026, Spain permanently withdrew its ambassador from Israel in protest against Israeli actions in Gaza and its opposition to the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign targeting Iran. Spanish authorities also implemented restrictions on the use of their ports and airspace for weapons shipments destined for Israel.
During the most recent regional tensions, Spain closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in operations against Iran and reinstated diplomatic engagement with Tehran by returning its ambassador shortly before the current decision.
Spanish officials, including Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, have also publicly called for an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, describing the situation as critical and urging international intervention.
Additionally, Spain halted all military trade with Israel earlier in the Gaza conflict, later formalizing a comprehensive arms embargo into law.
Operational and Political Implications
Spain’s removal from the CMCC means it will no longer participate in discussions or operations related to humanitarian aid entry, logistical coordination, or security planning for Gaza. It also excludes Madrid from involvement in post-ceasefire stabilization policies managed through the center.
Israeli officials indicated that participation in the CMCC requires alignment with the operational and political framework defined jointly by Israel and the United States. Spain’s exclusion reflects Israel’s assessment that the country no longer meets these criteria.
The removal does not affect the participation of other member states, and CMCC operations continue without disruption.
Current Status
As of April 10, 2026, no immediate official response from the Spanish government has been detailed. The CMCC remains active, continuing its role in overseeing ceasefire implementation and coordinating international assistance to Gaza under the existing agreement.
——— End of Article ———
