Imogen Calderwood
SPAIN has become the second country to freeze arms exports to Israel after more than 1,800 Palestinians have died in a month.
The government has announced that it will cease trading arms and military technology over the current offensive in the Gaza strip.
The sanctions are to send a diplomatic message to Israel, according to Spanish officials, and the temporary suspension will be reviewed in September.
Britain has also said it would sanction arms sales to Israel over the past 36 hours, and review all arms export licences to Israel.
Spain’s arms exports to Israel are already limited – making up just 1% of all Spanish security exports – with an income of €5 million in 2013.
Missile parts, fuses from hand grenades, mortar parts, electro-optical equipment and fire control systems are the primary supplies.
Israel launched an attack against Hamas almost four weeks ago, following a surge in cross-border rocket salvoes.
Despite the 1,800 Palestinians killed – the majority of which were civilians – just 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have died in the conflict.
Way to go Spain. That will have the Israeli military quaking in their G.I. issue boots.
NO consequence to Israel – “Spain’s arms exports to Israel are already limited – making up just 1% of all Spanish security exports – with an income of €5 million in 2013.
Missile parts, fuses from hand grenades, mortar parts, electro-optical equipment and fire control systems are the primary supplies.” Duh – Israel imports more than this in army boots/year!