In recent weeks, Italy has voiced growing criticism of Israeli operations in Lebanon.
By United with Israel
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that Italy will halt the automatic renewal of its long-standing defense cooperation agreement with Israel, pointing to escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to Reuters.
Speaking in Verona, Meloni said the decision was taken “in light of the current situation,” as the regional conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States continues to intensify.
The move marks a shift for Meloni’s government, which has been one of Israel’s closest partners in Europe.
In recent weeks, however, Rome has grown more critical of Israeli operations in Lebanon, particularly following incidents that affected Italian troops deployed there as part of a United Nations mission, Reuters reported.
The agreement, first signed in 2005 and routinely renewed every five years, has underpinned defense trade, joint military projects, and security cooperation between the two countries.
A defense ministry source cited by Reuters said the suspension will also bring an end to joint military training between Israel and Italy.
According to the report, the decision was finalized Monday in consultations between Meloni and senior members of her government, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
Meloni also used her remarks to emphasize the need for de-escalation, calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
“It is necessary to continue working to advance peace negotiations,” she said, “making every possible effort to stabilize the situation and reopen the Strait.”
In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry downplayed the significance of the move, saying there is no formal “defense agreement” with Italy.
“This is a memorandum of understanding from many years ago that never had real substantive content,” the ministry said, adding that the decision “will not harm Israel’s security.”
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