Madrid/Jerusalem, Sept. 9 -- Spain has barred Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced Tuesday, escalating a bitter diplomatic row between Madrid and Jerusalem.
The move follows Israel's decision to impose sanctions on two Spanish ministers and accuse Spain's government of pursuing antisemitic policies, a charge Madrid rejected. In response, Spain recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv for consultations.
Ben Gvir responded on X in Spanish: "Don't let me in. but give the people from Gaza free entry into Spain," referencing Madrid's decision in July to grant entry to 16 Gazans for medical treatment.
The ban comes a day ...