Israel Reprimands Spain After Netanyahu Effigy Packed With Explosives Blown Up

Israel formally reprimanded Spain's most senior diplomat after a giant effigy of Netanyahu was blown up during a traditional Easter festival.

The seven-meter figure was packed with 14 kilograms of gunpowder and detonated before a cheering crowd.

Al Jazeera

Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the act as appalling antisemitic hatred and placed direct responsibility on the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The Spanish government responded by saying it was committed to fighting against antisemitism and totally rejected the accusations.

El Burgo's mayor noted that the town had previously used effigies of Trump and Putin during the annual event.

Relations between Jerusalem and Madrid have steadily deteriorated since the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre.

Spain has criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and banned aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel from using its ports and airspace.

AnewZ

Spain withdrew its ambassador to Israel in March 2026 after recognizing a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu responded by removing Spain from a ceasefire coordination mechanism and warning that countries pursuing a diplomatic war would face immediate consequences.

Spain's Minister of Health described Netanyahu as a genocidist, saying standing up to him is a source of pride for Spain.

The Burning of Judas is a decades-old Easter tradition in El Burgo.

Effigies of political figures have been used in recent years, including Trump and Putin.

The incident came amid escalating tensions between Israel and European countries over the Gaza war and Iran conflict.

Spain has been one of the most vocal European critics of Israel.

The diplomatic row has spilled into cultural arenas, with Spain reaffirming plans to skip Eurovision if Israel competes.