Middle East: Gaza aid centers temporarily close – DW – 06/04/2025
June 4, 2025 Spain cancels purchase of Israeli anti-tank missiles, media report
A contract to buy 168 firing posts and 1,680 anti-tank missiles from Israeli defense company Rafael has been cancelled by Spain, national media reportered.
The daily newspaper El Pais, citing unnamed government sources, reported that the deal was valued at €287.5 million ($327 million). The equipment was to be manufactured in Spain under license from Rafael.
Sources from the Spanish Ministry of Defense told AFP news agency that the government has begun revoking licenses of Israeli origin and redirecting its procurement programs to achieve "greater technological independence and autonomy."
In late April, Spain canceled a contract to purchase bullets from another Israeli company, IMI Systems.
Spain strongly criticizes Israel's military operation in Gaza. Last year, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez officially recognized a Palestinian state, drawing criticism from Israel.
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