Spain reportedly denied port entry to ships carrying arms to Israel [Video]

WASHINGTON –

The United States has opened an investigation into whether NATO ally Spain has been denying port entry to cargo vessels reportedly transporting U.S. weapons to Israel.

The Federal Maritime Commission, an independent body charged with monitoring and evaluating conditions that may affect shipping and U.S. international trade, said it had opened the probe after receiving information that Spain had refused to allow at least three cargo vessels into its ports.

“The commission is concerned that this apparent policy of denying entry to certain vessels will create conditions unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade,” it said Thursday in a notice published in the Federal Register.

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If the investigation determines that Spain has interfered with such commerce, the commission could levy millions of dollars in fines, up to US$2.3 million per voyage, it said.

The …