MADRID

Spain continued its military material sales to Israel in December, despite its claims to the contrary, according to the local daily El Diario.

Citing a report by researcher Alejandro Pozo from the Delas Center, which works for peace in the world, the newspaper reported that according to official foreign trade statistics, defense material was exported to Tel Aviv in Dec. 2023.

It was reported that the defense material sent from Madrid to Israel was a "bomb stabilizer," with a total value of €125,240 ($136,857).

The Secretary of State for Trade justified the sales, saying the shipment “corresponds to a license authorized before October 7” – the start of the current conflict in Gaza.

However, the daily reminded that the “fact that export was authorized does not prevent the permit from being revoked.”

According to the regulation for the control of trade in defense material, permits can be canceled if there are “rational indications” that the material could be used in actions that “disturb peace” or “exacerbate tension."

Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has repeatedly said that his country has not sold any arms to Israel since Oct. 7.

Researcher Pozo said in his report: "Although the government declared an embargo, Spain continues to cooperate and trade with Israeli companies that advertise their products used in the war."

Commenting on the matter, Alberto Estevez, spokesperson for Amnesty International, said: "Spain must achieve complete alignment between foreign policy and arms export policy, beyond maintaining commercial relations with Israel and reducing the unit production costs of weapons produced in that country."

Last month, it was reported that Spain sent approximately €1 million worth of military equipment to Israel in November 2023.

The Secretary of State for Trade at the time said that “material was for tests or demonstrations” and “corresponds to licenses granted before Oct. 7.”

In a vote held at the end of February, the Spanish parliament did not approve the resolutions that included some political, military and economic sanctions against Israel, but only accepted the increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.