The prime minister’s statement landed amid an escalating diplomatic furor with Israel, which is at a zenith after Sánchez expressed support for pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrating against an Israeli team’s participation in the Vuelta a España cycling race.
After those protesters — contesting the Israel-Premier Tech team taking part in the prestigious three-week race — forced the early conclusion of Sunday’s stage by blocking the roads into Madrid, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Sánchez and his government of “inciting” the “mobs” and being an “embarrassment.”
The prime minister was also criticized by conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who said the government put “the lives of police officers and the safety of the cyclists” at risk by publicly expressing its support for the demonstrators.
Sánchez on Monday insisted that he “always rejects violence” and has “profound admiration and respect for our athletes.” But, he added, “we also have immense respect and profound admiration for a Spanish society that mobilizes against injustice and defends its ideals peacefully.”
A short time later, Sa’ar called Sánchez a “liar” in a social media post, and additionally branded the prime minister “and his Communist government … antisemites and enemies of the truth.”
Just last week, Spain imposed tough new measures on Israel — among them a permanent weapons embargo — which heightened tensions between the two countries.