Actor Javier Bardem is facing criticism from Republicans after sharing a social media post that suggested Israel and the "Western far-right" benefited from the recent migrant crisis at Spain's border with Morocco. The post, which Bardem reposted on Instagram, claimed the influx of migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta was a consequence of Spain's stance against Israeli actions in Palestine.
Approximately 60,000 migrants, predominantly from Morocco and Algeria, entered Ceuta illegally on Thursday, bypassing a border fence by swimming or wading across the sea. The surge continued overnight, prompting the deployment of Spanish military units.
The reposted message asserted that Israel and the "Western far-right" gain from a "destabilized Spain." It also referenced statements attributed to Yair Netanyahu, son of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allegedly calling for the "liberation" of Ceuta and Melilla and threatening to fund NGOs for this purpose in retaliation for Spain's support of Palestine.
Bardem's sharing of this statement drew a sharp response from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Huckabee, writing on X, called Bardem "dim-witted" and suggested the actor was unqualified to comment on the situation. He further described Bardem's post as a "new blood libel" and compared him to characters from the film "Dumb and Dumber."
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the border situation, describing it as a "catastrophe" and an "invasion" during a cabinet meeting. He warned that similar events could happen in the U.S. if Republicans were not elected.
The migrant surge began Thursday afternoon, with participants reportedly attempting to enter homes in Ceuta. Reports indicated that around 100 individuals, including children and women, may have died during the journey. Spanish police unions suggested that a recent Supreme Court ruling, which limits the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea, may have contributed to the increased attempts to cross into Ceuta and Melilla.