Italy suspends defence deal with Israel amid rising Middle East tensions

ROME: Giorgia Meloni said her government has suspended a defence cooperation agreement with Israel, signalling growing strain in relations as conflicts in the Middle East intensify.

Meloni’s government, previously considered one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, has in recent weeks voiced criticism over Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

The move follows an incident in which Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian troops deployed in Lebanon under a United Nations mandate, reportedly damaging a vehicle.

Speaking during a visit to Verona, Meloni said the government had decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement in light of the current situation.

According to sources, the decision was taken in consultation with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

A spokesperson for Israel’s foreign ministry declined to comment on the development.

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The announcement marks a notable shift in Italy’s stance, as opposition parties had been urging the government to suspend the agreement. Elly Schlein welcomed the move, saying her party and other progressive groups had long called for such action, while also advocating suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The defence memorandum between Italy and Israel was originally signed in 2003 under former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and came into force in 2006. The agreement, subject to automatic renewal every five years, covers cooperation in defence capabilities, including procurement, training, and the movement of military equipment.

Diplomatic tensions have escalated in recent days, with Rome summoning the Israeli ambassador over the Lebanon incident, followed by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu calling in Italy’s ambassador to discuss the situation.