Spain permanently recalled its ambassador to Israel this week amid a standoff between Madrid and Jerusalem over the Iran War.

The Spanish ambassador was recalled in September, according to the Times of Israel. This week's announcement makes the withdrawal permanent. The Spanish embassy will fall under the purview of what the Foreign Ministry called a "chargé d’affaires."

Spain did not formally recognize Israel until 1986, making it one of the last western countries to do so. Madrid has typically ranked among the European governments most critical of Israel and Zionism overall.

The country declined to permit the U.S. to use its bases for strikes on Iran, leading President Donald Trump to declare a trade embargo against Madrid.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.