Spain News Roundup: Israel Reprimands Spain Over Netanyahu Effigy, Sánchez Hails Hungary Election, PM Visits China

Israel Reprimands Spain Over Netanyahu Effigy

Israel said it had reprimanded Spain's top diplomat in Tel Aviv after a large-scale effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was blown up during Easter celebrations in the southern Spanish town of El Burgo.

The seven-metre figure was packed with 14 kilograms of gunpowder and set ablaze on April 5 as part of a decades-old local ceremony.

Israel's Foreign Ministry called it "appalling antisemitic hatred" and a "direct result of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government's systemic incitement."

A Spanish Foreign Ministry source responded by saying Spain is "committed to fighting against antisemitism and any form of hate or discrimination" and rejected "any insidious allegation which suggests the contrary."

Relations between Israel and Spain have deteriorated significantly since Madrid recognised Palestinian statehood in 2024. Sánchez has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's war on Gaza and has strongly opposed the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Sánchez Hails Hungary Election as Win for 'European Values'

PM Sánchez welcomed the victory of conservative Peter Magyar's Tisza party over Viktor Orbán's Fidesz in Hungary's legislative elections on Sunday.

"Today, Europe and European values won," Sánchez wrote on X. "Congratulations to all Hungarian citizens on a historic election. Looking forward to working together for a better future for all Europeans."

Sánchez Begins Fourth Visit to China

The Spanish PM started his fourth official visit to China on Monday — a particularly significant trip as he seeks to position Spain as a strategic mediator and independent voice within the EU.

Sánchez is urging President Xi Jinping to leverage China's influence to help end the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. The visit comes at a time when Spain's relations with the US are more strained than ever over Madrid's opposition to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Pro-Palestinian Flotilla Postponed From Barcelona

A new flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists that was due to leave Barcelona for Gaza on Sunday has postponed its departure due to adverse weather — showers and high waves in the northeast.

Around 40 boats were prepared to leave as part of the Sumud Global Flotilla ("sumud" means "resilience" in Arabic). The boats will head to a nearby port while waiting for conditions to improve.

"Our crews and our boats are ready to leave. It is the weather conditions that do not allow it," said organiser Thiago Ávila.

This article is based on reporting from The Local Spain and AFP, published April 13, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.