Spanish PM Accuses Israel and Russia of Spreading Disinformation to Fuel Ceuta Migrant Surge

MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Israel and Russia on Monday of orchestrating a disinformation campaign designed to lure migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, explicitly clearing Moroccan authorities of responsibility for the recent surge in arrivals.

Speaking at a press briefing in Madrid, Sánchez stated that foreign actors had disseminated false information suggesting that crossing into Ceuta would guarantee immediate asylum and safety. He argued that these narratives were strategically crafted to destabilize the region and strain Spain's border control mechanisms. The Prime Minister emphasized that the influx was not a result of policy failures by Morocco, but rather a direct consequence of external interference aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities in the European Union's southern flank.

The remarks come amidst a significant increase in migration attempts across the border fence separating Morocco from Ceuta. Over the past week, thousands of individuals have attempted to cross into the Spanish territory, overwhelming local security forces and prompting emergency measures. Moroccan authorities have maintained that they are cooperating fully with Spain to manage the flow, denying any involvement in encouraging the crossings.

Sánchez's accusation marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic rhetoric regarding the crisis. By attributing the migrant surge to Israel and Russia, the Spanish government seeks to shift the narrative away from bilateral tensions with Morocco, a key partner in migration management. The Prime Minister reiterated Spain's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Rabat, describing the two nations as united against external attempts to disrupt regional stability.

Israel and Russia have not yet issued formal responses to Sánchez's specific allegations regarding the Ceuta situation. However, both nations have historically been scrutinized for information operations in various global regions. The Spanish government has indicated that it is compiling evidence of the alleged disinformation campaigns for presentation to European Union partners.

The situation in Ceuta remains fluid as security forces continue to manage the influx while investigating the origins of the claims driving migrants toward the border. Questions remain regarding the specific channels used to spread the alleged false information and the extent of coordination between the accused foreign actors. As diplomatic tensions rise, the focus shifts to whether European allies will support Spain's assessment or call for a more comprehensive review of the root causes driving migration in the region.