00:00Should pro-Palestinian demonstrators' disruption of La Vuelta command respect or condemnation?
00:07That's the question dividing Spain, after tens of thousands of protesters forced the final leg
00:12of one of the most important international cycling races to be cancelled on Sunday,
00:18as they called out the Israel Premier Tech team's involvement in the competition.
00:23Spain's Prime Minister applauded the action,
00:25and on Monday called out a double standard and whitewashing of Israel's crimes.
00:30I think sports organizations need to ask themselves whether it's ethical for Israel
00:36to continue to participate in international competitions.
00:40Why was Russia expelled after the invasion of Ukraine,
00:45but Israel is not expelled after the invasion of Gaza?
00:50His position's been criticized by Spanish conservative politicians and Israel's foreign minister,
00:56who accused Sanchez and his government of incitement, calling them a disgrace.
01:01The Israeli Prime Minister hailed Israel Premier Tech for refusing to quit La Vuelta,
01:06despite the protest, which spanned much of the three-week race.
01:10The team, which is a private outfit owned by Israeli billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams,
01:15removed its name from its uniforms for the competition.
01:18The director of La Vuelta repeatedly deflected questions about whether the team should have taken part,
01:24saying organizers simply followed international cycling union regulations.
01:28What happened is unacceptable, especially on the circuit.
01:33Just as we show respect for the right to protest,
01:37we want and we demand respect for the race.
01:39After the protest caused some crashes during La Vuelta,
01:45doubts are now also being cast on whether next year's Tour de France
01:48will be able to start in Barcelona as planned.
01:51Spain has been one of the most outspoken European critics of Israel's war in Gaza.
01:56It recognized the Palestinian state last year,
01:59and last week announced measures including
02:01banning boats carrying fuel destined for the Israeli military from Spanish ports.
02:05The Spanish culture minister said Monday that Spain should also boycott
02:09next year's Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part.
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