ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said her government will suspend the automatic renewal of Italy’s defence agreement with Israel, marking a significant shift in Rome’s stance as international criticism grows over the US-Israel war on Iran and its wider regional fallout.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a visit to Verona, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The move comes as pressure intensifies across Europe for stronger political responses to the conflict. Meloni has already called restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz a priority for both Italy and the European Union, while also criticising Israeli military action in Lebanon and voicing opposition to the US attack on Iran.
Suspended arrangement
Although full details of the suspended arrangement were not immediately released, the defence accord had been due for automatic renewal.
The decision to halt that process suggests Rome is seeking to distance itself, at least politically, from Israel at a time when the regional war is driving diplomatic strain, energy insecurity and wider public anger.
Meloni’s government remains focused on containing the crisis, including through maritime security efforts linked to Hormuz.
But the suspension of the Israel defence deal underscores growing unease in Europe over the war’s trajectory and its humanitarian, legal and strategic consequences.
