LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Israeli journalist and pro-Israel social media influencer Hananya Naftali has accused Spain of acquiring Israeli-designed missiles through indirect channels despite its public suspension of a major arms deal with Israel. Naftali, a former digital aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the allegation in a post on his verified Facebook page, claiming that Spain’s government blocked a €285 million Rafael Spike missile deal over Gaza but later purchased the same weapons via Germany.
Naftali argued that the move demonstrated the indispensability of Israel’s defense technology, stating that it was “too advanced to boycott and vital for global security.”
His comments come amid heightened tensions between Spain and Israel over the Gaza conflict. Spain has imposed a permanent arms embargo, restricted Israeli officials from entering the country, and banned ships carrying fuel for Israeli military personnel from docking in Spanish ports, citing humanitarian concerns. Israel has rejected Madrid’s accusations, with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of antisemitism and recalling Spain’s ambassador from Tel Aviv.
Naftali, who previously worked on Netanyahu’s communications team, has not held a formal government office but has played a significant role in shaping Israel’s digital outreach strategy. His remarks underscore the growing diplomatic rift between Spain and Israel, as Madrid aligns more closely with Palestinian advocacy while Israel insists its military campaign in Gaza is essential for national security.
