ALBAWABA- Spain’s Ministry of Defense has decided to cancel a €700 million deal with Israel’s Elbit Systems for the PULS artillery system, Spanish media reported, marking a major escalation in Madrid’s effort to cut military ties with Israel over its war in Gaza.
The Israeli defense giant said it has yet to receive official notification, but the move follows Spain’s earlier suspension of a €285 million contract with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for Spike LR 2 anti-tank missiles.
The PULS system, designed to fire unguided rockets, precision weapons, and missiles up to 300 kilometers, was considered one of the cornerstones of Spain’s modernization plans.
Its cancellation underscores Madrid’s determination to, in its own words, “reduce to zero” technological dependence on Israel. Spain is now weighing alternatives from U.S. firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, including the Javelin missile system.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has become one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
In recent weeks, he has condemned what he called Israeli “atrocities,” urged Israel’s suspension from international sports competitions, and announced nine measures aimed at ending Spanish complicity in what he described as “genocide.”
These include a total arms embargo on Israel, bans on entry for Israeli officials linked to human rights violations, suspension of military cooperation, and expanded humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Spain’s stance has provoked sharp retaliation from Israel, which summoned Madrid’s acting ambassador, accused Sánchez of “slanderous” rhetoric, and imposed travel bans on senior Spanish officials.
Despite limited military clout, Sánchez has urged Europe to act collectively, warning that “Spain alone can’t stop the Israeli offensive” but insisting that moral responsibility demands stronger European measures.
