Spain announced Tuesday that it is permanently recalling its ambassador to Israel, representing a significant escalation in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The decision to permanently withdraw the ambassador marks a rare diplomatic step that goes beyond the temporary recall of ambassadors typically seen during international disputes. Such permanent withdrawals usually signal a fundamental breakdown in bilateral relations.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and reflects Spain's increasingly critical stance toward Israeli policies. Spain has been among European Union countries that have taken more vocal positions on Middle Eastern conflicts in recent months.

The permanent recall of an ambassador is considered one of the most serious diplomatic measures a country can take short of severing full diplomatic relations. It effectively downgrades diplomatic ties and complicates future bilateral cooperation on various issues.

Neither the Israeli government nor Spanish officials provided immediate additional details about potential impacts on trade, security cooperation, or other bilateral matters between the two countries.