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<em>Rep. Carlos Giménez resigned as co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing the Spanish government’s policies toward Israel as incompatible with democratic values.</em>
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<p>The Florida Republican announced his withdrawal in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, marking another instance of Middle East tensions affecting transatlantic relationships. Giménez said he made the decision reluctantly, given Spain’s historical and cultural ties to the United States and South Florida.</p>
<h2>What Prompted The Resignation</h2>
<p>Giménez accused the Spanish government of escalating what he called a “hostile crusade” against Israel while the country faces threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. “Spain has normalized rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism,” Giménez wrote in his letter.</p>
<p>The congressman cited Spain’s reported prohibition on Israeli Defense Forces members and certain Israeli officials entering the country as “unprecedented and shameful.” He also criticized Spanish restrictions on military cooperation with Israel, including arms embargoes and defense transportation limits.</p>
<p>”To bar the brave men and women of the IDF … while your political apparatus simultaneously legitimizes terrorist networks and accommodationist policies, is a betrayal of Western values,” Giménez wrote.</p>
🚨BREAKING —> I have resigned as Co-Chairman of the Congressional Friends Spain of Caucus.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, @sanchezcastejon, is actively undermining our bilateral relationship & targeting America’s closest ally. @POTUS Trump is right! pic.twitter.com/JEPrRbAaKb
— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) July 8, 2026
<h2>Giménez’s Defense Of His Position</h2>
<p>Giménez said the caucus was established to strengthen U.S.-Spain relations based on shared democratic principles, which he argued the Sánchez government no longer upholds. “I remain hopeful that Spain will one day return to a foreign policy rooted in the defense of Western allies and moral clarity against terrorism,” he wrote.</p>
<p>”As a proud Cuban-American and a steadfast defender of democracy, international security, and the U.S. alliance network, I did not make this decision lightly,” Giménez stated in his letter.</p>
<h2>Broader Context</h2>
<p>Spain has taken a more critical stance toward Israel’s conduct during the conflict compared to some other Western allies. Supporters of the Sánchez government contend its policies address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law.</p>
<p>Giménez’s resignation underscores ongoing divisions among Western allies over the Middle East conflict and demonstrates how disagreements over the region continue to reshape diplomatic and political relationships globally.</p>
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<em>This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital team contributed to this report.</em>
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