The Government of Spain has been one of the harshest in criticizing Israel’s military action in Gaza. His position contrary to the forceful Jewish response even caused a diplomatic crisis between both countries that has already been resolved, but has left a trace of discomfort in both governments. The firm Spanish position against indiscriminate attacks by the Israeli army against the civilian population is one of the reasons that explain the Government’s refusal to participate in the EU mission in the Red Sea. It is not expressed officially, but Pedro Sánchez’s advisors fear that the military operation in the Bab el Mandeb Strait will become complicated and lead to a military escalation with unforeseeable consequences. Thus, it would not make much sense for Israel to be criticized for carrying out uncontrolled actions against the Palestinians in Gaza and, in the end, to end up being part of an expedition that ends up doing the same against the Houthis in Yemen.
The risk of an increase in conflict in the area is foreseeable, according to all analysts. The best proof is the attack last Sunday in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American soldiers and injured thirty others and which was claimed by the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a small group supported by Iran. Tehran’s strategy seems to be to avoid a direct conflict with the West, but to generate sources of tension throughout the Middle East area based on the armed factions it controls.
While Israel continues its offensive in Gaza, regardless of who it may be, Iran supports terrorist groups that launch surprise attacks in any corner of this vast geographic area against American targets. Joe Biden, for now, is trying to minimize the effects of these attacks.
In this context, the Spanish position is going to involve supporting the EU mission in the Red Sea, but it is not going to take an active part in it, nor has it signed the statement from twenty countries in support of the Anglo-American military operation. in Yemen. Prudence is the main argument heard these days in Moncloa.
