“GAZA-LEVEL DEVASTATION”: Spain Accuses Netanyahu of Seeking to Destroy Lebanon
MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a stinging rebuke of Israeli military strategy on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of intending to inflict the “same level of damage and destruction” on Lebanon as seen in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking before the lower house of the Spanish Parliament, Sánchez framed the current conflict as an “absurd and illegal war” that presents a far more dangerous geopolitical scenario than the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The “Gaza Blueprint” for Lebanon
Sánchez’s comments come in response to recent statements from Israeli officials regarding military plans to target civilian infrastructure south of the Litani River.
Key Highlights from the Prime Minister’s Address:
- Intentional Destruction: Sánchez asserted that an “emboldened” Netanyahu aims to replicate the “suffering perpetrated in Gaza” within Lebanese borders.
- Violation of Sovereignty: He condemned what he described as a “flagrant and premeditated violation of international law,” specifically referencing reports that the Israeli army has been ordered to destroy all bridges over the Litani River and civilian homes in border villages.
- Double Standards: Sánchez criticized the international community for “selective reactions,” arguing that territorial integrity must be defended in Gaza and Lebanon with the same vigor as it is in Ukraine.
“We cannot demand respect for the territorial integrity of some and remain silent when it is violated in Gaza or Lebanon. This war is a colossal mistake that sets us back from every human goal.” — Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain
A Widening Rift with the U.S. and Israel
Spain has emerged as one of the most vocal Western critics of the “Second Iran War” and the accompanying Israeli operations in Lebanon.
Spanish Diplomatic Actions (March 2026):
- Base Denials: Madrid recently denied U.S. forces permission to use joint military bases at Rota and Morón for operations against Iran, drawing threats of trade sanctions from President Donald Trump.
- Ambassador Withdrawal: On March 11, Spain officially withdrew its ambassador from Israel, citing the “unacceptable escalation” of regional violence.
- UNIFIL Commitment: Despite the chaos, Spain—which has a significant contingent in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission—vowed to continue its operations to assist the Lebanese government, even as the UN considers a full withdrawal due to institutional collapse.
The Economic “Earthquake”
Beyond the humanitarian critique, Sánchez used the parliamentary session to defend a €5 billion ($5.7 billion) support package aimed at shielding Spanish households from the war’s fallout.
| Impact Category | Reported Status (March 25, 2026) |
| Business Losses | Spanish firms have lost an estimated €100 billion in under a month. |
| Energy Costs | Every bomb in the Middle East “hits the wallets of our families,” Sánchez warned. |
| Refugee Crisis | The conflict has already displaced approximately 4 million people in just 25 days. |
What’s Next?
The Spanish Parliament is expected to vote tomorrow, Thursday, March 26, on the government’s anti-crisis measures. As the Islamabad Summit begins, Spain is positioning itself as a “benchmark for peace,” urging EU leaders to move away from “belligerent logic.” If the Friday, March 27 deadline passes and Israel proceeds with its reported “total destruction” phase in Lebanon, Madrid is likely to lead a European push for formal diplomatic sanctions against the Netanyahu government.