‘Total Disconnection From Israeli Technology’: Spain Cancels Major Defense Contract With Israeli Subsidiary 

Latest Developments 

• Spain Cancels Weapons Contract: Spain canceled a $325 million contract for anti-tank missiles with a subsidiary of the Israeli defense company Rafael, the Spanish Defense Ministry announced on June 3. The agreement — signed just days before Hamas’s massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023 — would have produced 168 SPIKE LR2 anti-tank missile launchers and 1,680 missiles through Rafael’s Madrid-based subsidiary, Pap Tecnos. Explaining the move, a spokesperson for the Spanish government commented, “The goal is clear … a total disconnection from Israeli technology.” 

• Spain Prominent Among EU States Hostile to Israel: Spain’s leftist government has been consistently hostile to Israel, recognizing Palestinian statehood in May 2024 along with Norway and Ireland. In April, Spain canceled a $7.5 million order for bullets from Israel’s IMI Systems for its Civil Guard police force. Spain is the first European country to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and has also requested an “immediate suspension” of the European Union’s cooperation deal with Israel.  

• Israeli Defense Exports Rise: Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that defense exports in 2024 increased by more than 13 percent despite growing boycott threats. Defense-related exports approached a record-breaking total of $15 billion, with over half of the deliveries going to European countries. “The new record in Israeli defense exports, achieved during a year of war, reflects more than anything else the growing global appreciation for Israeli technology’s proven capabilities,” Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram said.  

FDD Expert Response 

“Spain’s decision puts Madrid on the wrong side of history and will likely harm itself more than Israel. Developing and producing groundbreaking and battlefield-proven Israeli military technology in Spain would have been a net gain for the Spanish economy and for Spain’s defense capacity. With Europe facing increased challenges to its security, democracies should work together rather than cancel contracts.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow 

“The unilateral cancelation of this contract demonstrates the Spanish government’s frustration that its effort to spread boycotts of Israel throughout the European Union has, so far, been rebuffed. Ultimately, this is the sort of performative gesture beloved by the far left, with — as Israel’s growing defense exports sector shows — little real-world impact.” — Ben Cohen, Senior Analyst and Rapid Response Director 

FDD Background and Analysis 

“Anti-Israel Boycott Escalates Within Arab League and in Europe,” FDD Flash Brief 

“Hamas Applauds UK, France, and Canada’s Threat of ‘Concrete Actions’ Against Israel,” FDD Flash Brief 

“‘Weak Minister’: Dutch Foreign Policy Chief Calls for Review of EU-Israel Trade Agreement,” FDD Flash Brief 

“UN Calls to Boycott Israel and Institute Arms Embargo,” FDD Flash Brief