Italian Prime Minister Giorngia Meloni announced Tuesday that Italy has suspended the renewal of its defence agreement with Israel. The decision halts a partnership involving the exchange of military equipment, technology research, and military training.
The treaty, which was ratified in 2006 and traditionally renewed every five years, reached its expiration this week. According to an Italian diplomatic source speaking to AFP, maintaining the agreement "would have been politically difficult."
Recent friction between Rome and Jerusalem likely prompted the move. Tensions escalated last week after the Italian government accused Israeli forces of firing shots at an Italian Blue Helmet convoy in Lebanon. While the incident caused damage to at least one vehicle, no injuries were reported. Italy subsequently summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest the event.
Israel responds to suspension
Israeli officials downplayed the impact of the decision on their national security. Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told AFP that the suspension would not affect Israel's safety.
"We have no security agreement with Italy. We have a memorandum of understanding from many years ago that has never contained substantial provisions. This will not affect the security of Israel," Marmorstein stated.
Diplomatic relations have further strained following comments from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. During a visit to Beirut on Monday, Tajani condemned what he called "unacceptable attacks" by Israel against civilians in Lebanon.
The decision also drew sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed disappointment in Meloni's stance regarding the conflict with Iran.
"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," Trump said, according to France24 and the original interview text. Trump, who had previously viewed Meloni as a key European ally, criticized her perceived unwillingness to assist in the Iran war.
