Spanish PM wants Israel banned from international sports after cycling protest

A war of words between Spain and Israel has escalated after a cycling race was halted by protestors on Sunday. Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, is calling for Israel to be banned from international sports competitions until what he described as the “barbarism” in Gaza stops.

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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is calling for Israel to be banned from international sports competitions until what he described as the barbarism in Gaza stops. [Music] Sanchez spoke a day after the Spanish Welta cycling race was cut short because of a pro Palestinian protest. Spanish authorities said more than 100,000 people took part in the demonstration, opposing the participation of an Israeli team in the event. The race was cut short when protesters threw barriers onto the road and clashed with police near the finish line in Madrid. Sanchez compared the Israeli military campaign in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while speaking to members of his socialist party. Sports organizations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza? Our position is clear. Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition. Sanchez said he had a deep admiration for all those who had protested peacefully against the participation of the Israeli team in the event. Danish cyclist Yonas Vinegard was declared the winner of the 3-week race, but never got to celebrate properly. There were about 30 miles left in the 21st stage that was mostly ceremonial ride into the Spanish capital when cyclists were stopped. Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sar responded to the proposed international sports ban by calling Sanchez an anti-semite and a liar. Sar accused the Spanish prime minister of inciting political violence. A pro Palestinian mob sabotaged the VA bicycle race in Spain. They did so with the support and encouragement of the Spanish prime minister. It’s almost unbelievable. Mr. Sanchez and his communist ministers encouraged violence. The International Olympic Committee released a statement Tuesday recognizing both Israel and Palestine’s National Olympic Committees and said they should enjoy the same rights. For Straight Arrow News, I’m Chris Francis. [Music]