Israel has accused Spain’s prime minister of anti-Semitism after he called for the Jewish state to be banned from sports events.

Pedro Sánchez made the comments on Monday after pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the end of the Vuelta cycling race in chaotic scenes in Madrid.

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar responded by calling Mr Sánchez an “anti-Semite and a liar”.

Tensions between the countries have escalated in recent weeks as Spain’s left-wing government expressed support for protesters who interrupted several stages of the Vuelta, including Sunday’s final stage in Madrid, because an Israeli team was taking part.

Speaking to members of his Socialist Party, Mr Sánchez compared Israel’s campaign in Gaza to Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

“The sports organisations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” Mr Sanchez said. 

“Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”