Background on Key Players
The GSMA, the organization behind the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, has established itself as a unifying force within the mobile ecosystem. This stance comes in light of Israel’s potential absence from the 2026 edition of the global mobile congress, as reported by Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Israel’s Ministry of Communications
According to Haaretz, Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has instructed the country’s tech companies not to attend the upcoming event, scheduled for March 2026. The minister cited actions against Israel by the Spanish government, accusing it of promoting anti-Semitic policies and supporting Hamas, as well as recognizing Palestine as a state.
GSMA’s Response
In response, the GSMA acknowledged that global circumstances “may influence participants’ decisions” to attend their events. The organization defined the MWC as a unifying event that brings together the mobile ecosystem to advance connectivity’s role in ensuring progress for individuals, industries, and society.
Spanish Government’s Actions
On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a package of nine measures to “stop the genocide in Gaza, pursue those responsible, and support the Palestinian people.” Among these measures is a decree law to formalize an arms embargo on Israel and ban entry into Spain for those directly involved in the genocide.
Barcelona City Hall’s Stance
The Israeli minister’s directive follows Barcelona City Hall’s decision to sever ties with Israel in July, in a document that also urged Fira de Barcelona—where the MWC takes place—not to host Israeli or arms company booths.
In August, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government barred Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni from entering the country, as he planned to visit Ramallah and Bethlehem (West Bank) upon an invitation from their mayors.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the GSMA and its role in the Mobile World Congress? The GSMA is an organization that orchestrates the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, positioning itself as a unifying force within the mobile ecosystem.
- Why is Israel potentially absent from the 2026 MWC? Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has instructed tech companies not to attend the 2026 MWC due to the Spanish government’s actions against Israel, which include supporting Palestine and recognizing it as a state.
- What measures has the Spanish government announced to address the situation? Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiled nine measures, including an arms embargo on Israel and a ban on entry for those directly involved in the genocide.
- How has Barcelona City Hall responded to the situation? Barcelona City Hall severed ties with Israel in July and urged Fira de Barcelona not to host Israeli or arms company booths at the MWC.
The GSMA aims to host an exceptional MWC26 Barcelona in 2026, gathering participants to shape the future of connectivity.
