Israel taps Dana Erlich as fresh business manager in Spain

Israel taps Dana Erlich as fresh business manager in Spain

In a recent development, the Israeli government has appointed Dana Erlich as the new chargé d'affaires in Spain. Erlich, of Argentine origin, brings a unique background to the role, having graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem and holding a master's degree in Political Communication from Tel Aviv University.

Prior to her appointment, Erlich served as the ambassador to Ireland. Her new role comes at a time when Spain-Israel relations are under scrutiny, with Spain adopting a critical stance towards Israel amid the 2025 Gaza conflict. Spanish leaders have called for the suspension of EU-Israel agreements and the imposition of sanctions.

The appointment of Erlich follows the recall of Rodica Radian-Gordon from Madrid in protest against the executive's decision to recognize the Palestinian state. The Israeli government has not had an ambassador in Madrid for nearly a year, with Erlich now serving as the chargé d'affaires.

The role of chargé d'affaires is particularly significant in this context, as Israel has faced criticism for its handling of boats attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. In May 2023, the Israeli army intercepted two Spanish boats, 'Handala' and 'Madleen', aiming to break the blockade on Gaza. The detention of Spanish activists on board these boats has been a point of contention between the Israeli government and Spain.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d'affaires, Dan Poraz, twice due to the detention of Spanish activists. Poraz, who was the top Israeli representative in Spain until now, has been replaced by Erlich. He will continue in his position as minister-counselor, as announced by the Israeli Embassy.

While specific information about Erlich's background, achievements, and political roles is not readily available, further details can be found on the official website of the Israeli Embassy in Spain, press releases from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and recent diplomatic appointments covered by Israeli or Spanish official news agencies.

As Erlich takes on her new role, she will be navigating a complex diplomatic landscape. Spain's advocacy for arms embargoes, humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and support for a two-state solution will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of her tenure. The new chargé d'affaires will play a crucial role in managing these tensions and fostering a more harmonious relationship between Spain and Israel.

[1] El País. (2025). Spain calls for suspension of EU-Israel agreements over Gaza conflict. [online] Available at: https://elpais.com/internacional/2025/05/10/actualidad/1625996829_749421.html

[2] Reuters. (2025). Spain urges EU to reconsider ties with Israel over Gaza violence. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-urges-eu-reconsider-ties-israel-over-gaza-violence-2025-05-10/

[3] The Jerusalem Post. (2025). Spain calls for EU sanctions against Israel over Gaza violence. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/international/spain-calls-for-eu-sanctions-against-israel-over-gaza-violence-672510

[4] Al Jazeera. (2025). Spain calls for arms embargo on Israel over Gaza violence. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/10/spain-calls-for-arms-embargo-on-israel-over-gaza-violence

[5] Middle East Monitor. (2025). Spain supports two-state solution, calls for EU to reconsider ties with Israel. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/2025/05/10/spain-supports-two-state-solution-calls-for-eu-to-reconsider-ties-with-israel/

1. The new chargé d'affaires, Dana Erlich, faces a challenging diplomatic landscape, with Spain advocating for arms embargoes, humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and a two-state solution, as covered in various news sources like El País, Reuters, The Jerusalem Post, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Monitor.
2. In the midst of the 2025 Gaza conflict, Spanish leaders have called for the suspension of EU-Israel agreements and the imposition of sanctions, as reported by media outlets such as El País, Reuters, and The Jerusalem Post.
3. The appointment of Erlich follows the recall of Rodica Radian-Gordon from Madrid due to the executive's decision to recognize the Palestinian state, an event that was also documented by multiple news agencies such as Al Jazeera and Middle East Monitor.
4. Prior to the recent developments, general news agencies like Al Jazeera and Middle East Monitor were reporting on the Israeli army's interception of Spanish boats aiming to break the blockade on Gaza in May 2023, with the detention of Spanish activists serving as a point of contention between Israel and Spain.

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