Key facts
- Israel has publicly mocked Spain's migrant crisis in Ceuta.
- Over 60,000 migrants attempted to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave.
- At least 70 migrants died during the crossing.
- Reports indicate Morocco may have orchestrated the crisis by opening border gates.
- Israeli officials' comments are seen as retaliation for Spain's stance on Gaza and Iran.
- A US House report questioned the status of Ceuta and Melilla.
Israel has been publicly mocking and exploiting the migrant crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave bordering Morocco, which has strained relations between Spain and Morocco, and also impacted Spain's ties with Israel. Israeli political leaders have used the situation to criticize Spain, which has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza and its stance on Iran.
Over 60,000 Moroccan migrants attempted to cross into Ceuta, with at least 70 deaths reported. Reports suggest that Morocco may have deliberately orchestrated the crisis by opening its border gates, a move that Spanish officials privately believe was intended to politically wound Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. This comes after Spain shifted its position on the Western Sahara dispute to align with Morocco.
Israeli officials, including UN Ambassador Danny Danon and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have made public statements that appear to gloat over Spain's difficulties, framing it as retaliation for Spain's foreign policy positions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously accused Spain of waging a 'diplomatic war'.
Adding to the diplomatic pressure, a US House Appropriations Committee report described Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish-controlled cities 'located in Moroccan territory,' a wording that has been interpreted as a signal to Spain. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente has also suggested that elements in Washington, Tel Aviv, and Rabat may have desired negative imagery of Spanish forces during the crisis.