Rome, Italy – Web Desk: Italy has announced the suspension of its military cooperation agreement with Israel, marking a significant shift in defense relations between the two countries.
According to media reports, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the government has decided not to proceed with the automatic renewal of the defense agreement, which was originally signed in 2016.
The agreement, which included cooperation on military equipment and defense research, was subject to renewal every five years. Officials confirmed that the upcoming extension will no longer take place due to the current regional situation.
Prime Minister Meloni stated that while renewal had been under consideration, evolving geopolitical developments prompted the government to halt the process.
The decision follows remarks by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during a visit to Lebanon, where he described the targeting of civilians in Israeli strikes as “completely unacceptable.”
The move signals growing diplomatic pressure within parts of Europe over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as international calls for restraint and ceasefire continue to intensify.
