Spain Slams Israel’s Plan to Target Civilian Infrastructure in Lebanon

Spain condemned statements attributed to Israeli authorities about orders to destroy bridges over the Litani River and homes of Lebanese civilians, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law.

The Spanish government said in a statement today that civilian infrastructure, including housing and healthcare facilities, cannot be considered military targets under international law. It added that such actions would breach humanitarian law and harm civilian populations.

Madrid also reiterated its opposition to any attempt to divide Lebanese territory and called for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government urged the international community to act to prevent impunity and support Lebanese authorities.

Relations between Spain and Israel have sharply deteriorated, with Madrid withdrawing its ambassador on March 11 and downgrading ties. The rift has deepened since the October 7, 2023 attacks, with Spain opposing Israel’s operations in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Israel had already withdrawn its envoy in 2024 after Spain recognized Palestinian statehood, while further tensions followed Spanish restrictions on arms-linked transit and criticism of recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all trade with the EU member state.

In a separate but related development, Iranian media showed ballistic missiles allegedly bearing anti-war stickers linked to Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, a symbolic and ironic gesture amid the conflict that appears to signal support for his stance.