‘Reducing to Zero’: Spain Cancels €700m Arms Deal with Israel’s Elbit Systems

September 15, 2025 News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. (Design: Palestine Chronicle)

The cancelation follows the decision by the Spanish Defense Ministry in June to suspend another deal with Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems worth $310 million.

Spain has canceled a €700m ($820 million) deal to purchase artillery systems from Israel’s Elbit Systems, the second defense contract to be scrapped, according to reports.

The PULS artillery system “provides a comprehensive solution for launching unguided rockets, precision weapons and missiles for various ranges,” the Israeli Globes reported.

The cancellation follows the decision by the Spanish Defense Ministry in June to suspend another deal to purchase Spike LR 2 anti-tank missiles from Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems worth $310 million.

The Elbit deal was signed in October 2023, wherein Elbit was to collaborate with Spanish companies to manufacture the artillery systems locally, according to Haaretz.

Range of Arms

The PULS system is a precision rocket launcher, the report stated, “able to fire “a wide range of unguided and guided rockets … which can hit targets 40 kilometers (24 miles) away.”

The contract “included the supply of 12 mobile launchers, radars, drones, support vehicles, ammunition, and recovery equipment.”

Citing the Spanish news agency EFE, the report stated that the decision is part of Madrid’s effort to “reduce to zero” technological dependence on Israel during its ongoing genocidal assault on the Gaza Strip that has killed close to 65,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced last week nine measures aimed at stopping what he called genocide in Gaza, including barring extremist Israeli Cabinet ministers from Spain, imposing a permanent weapons embargo, and banning imports from the occupied Palestinian territories.

Banning Call

Earlier on Monday, Sanchez called for Israel to be banned from international sporting competitions.

“Why was Russia expelled (from global sporting events) after the invasion of Ukraine, but Israel allowed to remain after the invasion of Gaza?” Sanchez reportedly asked rhetorically during a meeting of Socialist Party lawmakers in the Spanish parliament, Politico reported.

“While barbarism persists, Israel cannot use international events to whitewash its presence,” he added.

This comes after the prime minister expressed support for protesters who demonstrated against the participation of an Israeli team in the Vuelta a España cycling race.

The 80th edition of Spain’s premier cycling event was halted around 57 kilometers from the finish line as demonstrators occupied streets along the planned route, the Anadolu news agency reported, citing Spanish news agency EFE.

Protesters’ Actions

Protesters blocked the Paseo del Prado, a key avenue in Madrid, leading to clashes with police. Images showed cyclists at a standstill near the Royal Palace gardens, awaiting an escort from security forces. Riders were later taken to team vehicles or directed to their hotels under police protection.

Organizers confirmed the race could not continue due to the unrest.

Sanchez praised pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have taken place during the race.

“First of all, our recognition and absolute respect for the athletes, but also our admiration for the Spanish people who mobilize for just causes such as that of Palestine,” Sanchez said at a Socialist Party event in Malaga, according to RTVE.

Responding to Sanchez’s remarks questioning Israel’s participation in global sports, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Sanchez “and his Communist government” of being “anti-semites and enemies of the truth.”

Madrid Protests Halt La Vuelta’s Final Stage over Israeli Team’s Participation

Eurovision Song Contest

Sanchez’s statements come as pressure mounts for Israel to not be allowed to participate in cultural events, including the annual Eurovision Song Contest.

On Monday, Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun reportedly said that while the final decision lies with public broadcaster RTVE, radical steps may be necessary if Israel participates.

He emphasized that Spain had already formally requested Israel’s exclusion and warned that the government would consider “measures… if not expelled,” arguing that allowing Israel’s presence would constitute “normalizing” its role in international forums amid the ongoing Gaza offensive, Anadolu reported.

On Friday, Slovenia’s public broadcaster RTV Slovenija announced that the country will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to return next year. The move, framed as an act of solidarity with Palestine, reflects a position first voiced at the EBU General Assembly in July.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has extended the deadline for broadcasters to confirm participation until mid-December and is expected to vote on Israel’s eligibility during its next assembly in Geneva on December 4 to 5.

Ongoing Genocide

Starting on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military, with American support, launched a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. This campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 64,900 Palestinians, with more than 164,000 wounded. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure is unprecedented since World War II. Thousands of people are still missing.

Six Killed in Tent Strike as Israeli Bombardment Intensifies in Gaza City

In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.

Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.

(PC, Anadolu)

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