Israel says Morocco ties do not undermine Spain alliance amid Ceuta row

Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid, Dana Erlich, has stressed that her country’s close relationship with Morocco does not mean abandoning an “important and historic ally” like Spain. At the same time, she argued that the Spanish government is using Israel, in relation to what happened in Ceuta, as a “smokescreen” to divert attention.

In remarks reported by Europa Press, she asked: “How is it that Spain is going through one of the most serious crises it has faced in recent years, and yet the discussion turns to Israel?”

In this context, Erlich emphasized that “Israel has no doubt whatsoever as to who controls Ceuta,” indicating that it does not question Spanish sovereignty over the city.

Erlich spoke of a close relationship with Morocco, rooted in historical factors linked to the large number of Jews of Moroccan origin in Israel, and further strengthened by the Abraham Accords signed in 2020. “But being allies, or having this connection, does not mean that we forget other allies,” she added.

In this regard, Erlich affirmed that “Spain is an important ally for us historically, and also for our future,” despite Israel’s disagreements with the current government.