Ankara: Spain has imposed a ban on the transit of United States military aircraft and vessels carrying arms, ammunition, or equipment destined for Israel through its Rota (Cadiz) and Moron de la Frontera (Seville) bases. This move was confirmed by sources familiar with the operations of the US-Spain Joint Committee.

According to Anadolu Agency, the sources emphasized that Rota and Moron remain sovereign Spanish bases under the command of Spain, and any activity requires authorization from Madrid. The decision comes amid continued US arms supplies to Israel, which has been involved in an offensive on Gaza resulting in over 66,000 casualties.

Spanish officials have maintained a level of ambiguity in public statements, balancing respect for the bilateral defense agreement with the US and the restrictions on controversial shipments, such as arms bound for Israel. Although Spain does not directly inspect US cargo, there is a consensus that concealing such transfers would undermine trust between the allies. Additionally, the volume of arms deliveries to Israel makes concealment impractical.

An example highlighted was the delivery of six F-35 fighter jets to Israel earlier this year, which avoided Spanish bases and instead used stopovers in the Azores before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Under the 1988 defense cooperation agreement, amended over time, US forces can operate from Spanish bases under specific conditions, with permanent US aircraft in Spain enjoying freedom of movement, while others require prior authorization.

Article 25 of the treaty allows for quarterly authorizations for logistical support flights, but excludes missions carrying "controversial cargo or passengers" for Spain, necessitating case-by-case approval. A 2011 operational procedure imposed additional rules requiring disclosure of flight origins, destinations, and detailed mission objectives and cargo. The restrictions also apply to naval operations, where port calls must be requested at least five days in advance. While standard weapons onboard ships are not queried due to Cold War-era provisions, nuclear arms remain banned under Spanish law since the 1986 NATO referendum.

Earlier this month, the US State Department expressed concerns over nine measures announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to increase pressure on Israel, including the denial of Spanish airspace to flights transporting defense material to the country. US officials cautioned that these restrictions could potentially limit American military operations. Despite these concerns, Spanish officials assert that Madrid retains the right to deny authorizations for shipments deemed politically sensitive.