Despite the diplomatic dispute over the US ships, the subject of an ongoing US investigation, the US Defense Department cargo ship bound for Israel was able to stop at the US naval base in Rota, Spain, according to media leaks that have appeared recently. This operation exceeds the Spanish embargo prohibiting transit “military cargo” to Tel Aviv. The true nature of the goods transported has never been confirmed from an independent source.
The ship, owned by Sealift Inc., had also been used in spring 2024 to transport aid to Gaza during the US pontoon bridge humanitarian mission. Although Rota Naval Base is partially operated by the US Navy, it is located in Spanish territory and theoretically falls under Spanish jurisdiction. “Cargoes passing through American bases in Spain are more difficult to detect”said Enrique Santiago, a member of a party in the Spanish government coalition. Although Spanish sovereignty applies in theory, “in practice, American bases escape the control of Madrid”he said.
The revelation, never substantiated, that “ammunition” intended for Israel transit through Spanish ports, marks a new episode in the growing diplomatic crisis between Washington and Madrid, two allies within NATO. Tensions between the two countries took another turn when the United States approached the Federal Maritime Commission, an independent agency regulating international maritime transport, which could impose considerable fines on Spain, potentially amounting to millions of dollars.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Tom Crosson said that “The U.S. government is coordinating transportation with its allies and partners while respecting international requirements.” According to him, “The U.S. Armed Forces, when directed, have the responsibility and capability to deliver both humanitarian assistance to populations in need and munitions to support the defense of our allies and partners.”
An endless legal battle
Last month, Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping carriers, reportedly shipped “armored vehicles from US commercial ports to Israel as part of the ongoing war in Gaza”according to pro-Palestinian activists. Part of these cargoes, transiting through Spanish ports, “violated Spanish policy prohibiting the docking of ships carrying military equipment to Israel”according to them. As a result, Madrid recently prevented two ships from docking in its ports, forcing Maersk to reroute some of its transatlantic shipments via Morocco, reroutings little commented on.
This embargo policy, implemented by Spain in May 2024, aimed “to end all Spanish involvement in the arms trade to Israel.” Since its adoption, “Spain has prevented more than five ships from docking on its coasts”according to the same activists.
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