Spain has emerged as one of the most vocal European critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, a stance that has placed Madrid at odds with the United States and several of Washington’s allies. Alongside its criticism, Spain has renewed calls for the creation of a permanent European Union army, urging Europe to reduce its military dependence on the United States.

The situation has raised questions about the current state of relations between Washington and Madrid, as well as Spain’s position among U.S. allies. In an interview on Al Jazeera’s ‘UpFront’ program this week, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares discussed Spain’s foreign policy, its commitment to international law, and the present condition of its relationship with the United States.

The discussion highlights Spain’s effort to balance its foreign policy principles with its transatlantic partnerships amid growing divisions over the Gaza conflict.