Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of a defense cooperation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday, pointing to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The move marks a notable shift for Meloni’s right-wing government, which has been among Israel’s closest allies in Europe. In recent weeks, however, Rome has voiced criticism over Israeli strikes on Lebanon, including incidents affecting Italian troops deployed there under a United Nations mandate.
“In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel,” Meloni said, according to Italian news agencies.
A source at Italy’s defense ministry said the decision would halt cooperation with Israel on military training as part of the agreement.
The suspension was agreed on Monday during talks involving Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
Israel’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment to Reuters.
