In practice, the Spanish embassy in Tel Aviv is expected to be managed in the near future by an acting chargé d'affaires – a diplomatic rank lower than ambassador. This means an official downgrading of the level of Spanish diplomatic representation in Israel, a step that reflects a further escalation in tensions between the two countries.
The move effectively entrenches a situation that had already been in place for months. Ambassador Salomon Peres was summoned for consultations in Madrid last September, amid an unusual escalation in the diplomatic conflict between Israel and Spain. Since that summons, she has not returned to her post in Tel Aviv, and has continued to reside in Spain.
The diplomatic conflict quickly spilled over into the public sphere. There were sharp exchanges of accusations between the governments of the two countries, and during the crisis, diplomats from both sides were summoned for reprimanding talks. In this tense atmosphere, Madrid decided to recall its ambassador for consultations – a move that was considered in the diplomatic world as one of the most prominent signs of a crisis between countries.
The decision announced today indicates that Madrid does not see at this stage a possibility of a quick return to full diplomatic routine with Israel. The official end of the ambassador's term, without the immediate appointment of a replacement of the same rank, shifts relations between the countries to a more limited diplomatic format.
However, the Spanish mission in Israel is not closing. The embassy's activities will continue through a lower professional level, and diplomatic channels between Jerusalem and Madrid will remain open. To return to full representation in the future, the Spanish government will have to appoint a new ambassador and receive Israel's consent to his appointment – a formal diplomatic procedure that is customary between countries.
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