Spain has barred the passage of US military shipments bound for Israel through its bases at Rota (Cadiz) and Moron de la Frontera (Seville), according to sources familiar with the work of the US-Spain Joint Committee.
“Rota and Moron are not a backdoor,” the sources told El País on condition of anonymity. They emphasized that both facilities remain under Spanish sovereignty and that all movements require Madrid’s authorization.The decision comes as the United States continues to supply most of the weaponry used by Israel in its offensive on Gaza, where more than 66,000 people have been reported killed.
Spanish officials have been cautious in public remarks, noting the country’s obligation to uphold its bilateral defense agreement with Washington. However, they argue that shipments of arms to Israel fall under exceptions. While Spain does not directly inspect US cargo, officials contend that any attempt to conceal transfers would undermine trust between allies. They also highlight that the scale of US deliveries to Israel makes such concealment unlikely.
An example cited was the delivery earlier this year of six F-35 fighter jets to Israel, which avoided Spanish bases by stopping in the Azores before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
The US and Spain operate under a 1988 defense cooperation agreement, updated multiple times since. While US aircraft permanently stationed in Spain enjoy freedom of movement, other missions require prior authorization. Article 25 of the treaty allows quarterly approvals for logistical flights but excludes operations involving what Spain classifies as “controversial cargo or passengers,” which require separate clearance.
A 2011 procedure further tightened conditions, requiring disclosure of origins, destinations, and detailed cargo descriptions. Similar rules apply to naval operations, where port calls must be requested five days in advance. While Spain does not question standard weapons onboard US ships due to Cold War-era provisions, nuclear arms remain prohibited under Spanish law since the 1986 NATO referendum.
Earlier this month, the US State Department described as “deeply concerning” nine measures introduced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government to pressure Israel, including the denial of Spanish airspace to flights carrying defense equipment. Washington warned that such restrictions could “potentially limit American military operations.”
Spanish officials maintain that Madrid reserves the right to refuse authorizations for shipments deemed politically sensitive.