Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz criticizes Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old raises a Palestinian flag during the club’s victory parade in Barcelona. Katz posts on X that the gesture amounts to “inciting hatred” against Israel and that Yamal is “supporting terrorism,” and he calls on FC Barcelona to distance itself from the player.
The reactions extend beyond Katz. The Canary reports that Spanish political figures respond to Katz’s comments and the public support Yamal shows for Palestine. It says Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defends Yamal in the context of Katz’s attack. According to the report, further criticism and counter-responses occur among politicians and the public following the episode linked to the Palestinian flag display.
Across the accounts, the central dispute is the interpretation of Yamal’s Palestinian-flag gesture during Barcelona’s celebrations and the subsequent political and media responses to Katz’s accusations, including calls for Barcelona to take a position.
