Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly defends Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal after an Israeli government minister criticized the 18-year-old for waving a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga victory celebrations in Barcelona. On Monday, Yamal waved the flag from an open-top bus as thousands of supporters gathered for the team’s parade following its second consecutive league title. The Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, posted online that Yamal was “inciting hatred,” adding that he expected Barcelona to distance itself from what he described as incitement and support for terrorism. Sánchez responds on X by saying he is “proud” of Yamal and describing the gesture as “solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards.” He also criticizes the claim that waving a national flag amounts to incitement, saying those who make that judgment are either mistaken or driven by “ignominy.” Barcelona’s official accounts did not issue a public comment. Separately, the club’s coach Hansi Flick says the decision is Yamal’s and that he spoke with the player, while emphasizing that the team’s celebration is the priority. The episode also draws attention online ahead of Yamal’s expected role with Spain at the World Cup in June and July.