Italy Suspends Defense Agreement with Israel — Meloni

Italy has decided to suspend its defense agreement with Israel amid the situation in the Middle East.

This was reported by The Times of Israel.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the government will not automatically renew the agreement.

According to her, the decision was made in light of current events and the escalation in the region.

Earlier, Italy also announced its readiness to support certain EU sanctions against Israel due to the war in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, during the U.S.-Israel operation against Iran, Rome refused to allow some U.S. military aircraft to use its Sigonella airbase.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador in Rome after Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have hit Italy hardest among European Union countries, according to the findings of a study by European think tanks.