{"id":1157,"date":"2026-07-11T13:42:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T13:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/watchthenews.store\/?p=1157"},"modified":"2026-07-11T13:42:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T13:42:47","slug":"florida-congressman-quits-spain-caucus-over-governments-israel-policies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/watchthenews.store\/?p=1157","title":{"rendered":"Florida Congressman Quits Spain Caucus Over Government\u2019s Israel Policies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A growing dispute over America\u2019s closest allies has sparked another political showdown, this time reaching beyond Washington and into the relationship between the United States and one of its oldest European partners.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The move comes as tensions continue to rise over the war in the Middle East, with disagreements over Israel\u2019s military campaign increasingly affecting diplomatic relationships around the world.<\/p>\n

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Rep. Carlos A. Gim\u00e9nez announced that he has withdrawn as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing what he described as the Spanish government\u2019s increasingly hostile policies toward Israel.<\/p>\n

In a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez, the Florida Republican said he made the decision reluctantly, noting Spain\u2019s longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties to the United States and to South Florida.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a proud Cuban-American and a steadfast defender of democracy, international security, and the U.S. alliance network, I did not make this decision lightly,\u201d Gim\u00e9nez wrote.<\/p>\n

He said he has spent much of his career working to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Spain but argued that recent actions by S\u00e1nchez\u2019s government made it impossible for him to continue serving in the caucus.<\/p>\n

Gim\u00e9nez accused the Spanish government of escalating what he called a \u201chostile crusade\u201d against Israel while the country continues to face threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and other terrorist organizations.<\/p>\n

He further argued that Spain has moved beyond legitimate policy disagreements with Israel and has instead embraced rhetoric that he believes enables antisemitism.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,\u201d Gim\u00e9nez wrote.<\/p>\n

Among his strongest criticisms was Spain\u2019s reported decision to prohibit members of the Israel Defense Forces and certain Israeli government officials from entering the country.<\/p>\n

Gim\u00e9nez described that policy as \u201cunprecedented and shameful,\u201d arguing that it unfairly targets members of the Israeli military while rewarding organizations that seek Israel\u2019s destruction.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo bar the brave men and women of the IDF \u2026 while your political apparatus simultaneously legitimizes terrorist networks and accommodationist policies, is a betrayal of Western values,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

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The congressman also criticized Spain\u2019s policies restricting military cooperation with Israel, including what he described as arms embargoes and limits affecting defense transportation.<\/p>\n

He argued those actions place Spain \u201cfirmly on the wrong side of the global fight for freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gim\u00e9nez said the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus exists to strengthen relations between the United States and Spain based on shared democratic values.<\/p>\n