ROME: Italy’s government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of a defence cooperation deal with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday, citing the conflicts in the Middle East.
Meloni’s right-wing government has been one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, but in recent weeks it has criticised Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Those affected have included Italian troops serving there under a UN mandate.
“In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” Meloni was quoted as saying in Verona, northern Italy, by Italian news agencies.
A defence ministry source said one of the consequences is that Italy will no longer cooperate with Israel on military training.
Meloni took the decision on Monday with her foreign and defence ministers, Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A spokesperson for Israel’s foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
Israel sees no impact on security
Israel on Tuesday dismissed Italy’s decision to suspend a defence agreement between the two countries, saying Rome’s move would not have any impact on its security.
“We have no security agreement with Italy. We have a memorandum of understanding from many years ago that has never contained any substantive content.
This will not affect Israel’s security,” foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said.
Trump slams Meloni
US President Donald Trump criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a political ally, in an interview published on Tuesday for her unwillingness to help the US in its war against Iran.
“I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he told Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2026
