A Spanish judge’s issued an arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the 2010 Gaza flotilla incident. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and seven other Israeli government officials risk being arrested if they step foot in Spain, following a Spanish judge’s issuing of arrest warrants over the 2010 Gaza flotilla incident.

In May 2010, Israeli commandos boarded the Turkish Mavi Marmara vessel, which was trying to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. After militants attacked the Israeli forces, nine Turkish citizens were killed in clashes, leading to the deterioration of Israel-Turkey relations.

“We consider [the Spanish judge’s order] to be a provocation. We are working with the Spanish authorities to get it cancelled. We hope it will be over soon,” said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon.