Giorgia Meloni – Prime Minister of Italy:
Unilateral interventions outside the scope of international law are multiplying... Italy is not taking part in and does not intend to take part in.
Given the current circumstances, the government has decided to suspend the automatic extension of the defense agreement with Israel.
We must continue to advance the peace negotiations, do everything in our power to stabilize the situation, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for us. Clearly, it is not only about fuel, but also about chemical fertilizers, which are another key element.
Giorgia MeloniPrime Minister of Italy
Italy halts extension of military agreement with Israel
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, announced that the government has suspended the automatic renewal of the defense cooperation agreement with Israel.
Meloni said on Tuesday, on the sidelines of an event in the city of Verona: “Given the current circumstances, the government has decided to suspend the automatic extension of the defense agreement with Israel.”
Referring to the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran and its regional repercussions, she added: “We must continue advancing peace negotiations, do everything we can to stabilize the situation, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for us. Clearly, it is not only about fuel but also about chemical fertilizers, which are another key element.”
The Italy–Israel defense agreement, which includes the exchange of military equipment and technological research, had previously been automatically renewed every five years. The decision comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East due to conflicts and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
