Italian PM says suspending defence agreement with Israel

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Italy has suspended its defence cooperation agreement with Israel, according to a statement by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking before the Italian Senate, Meloni confirmed that the government has halted the licensing of new arms exports and suspended a bilateral military agreement as part of a broader policy shift following the escalation of regional conflict.

The decision marks a significant diplomatic recalibration for Italy, which had previously maintained robust military ties with Israel. Meloni stated that the suspension was enacted to ensure that Italian defence resources are not utilised in a manner that contributes to further regional instability or violates humanitarian standards. 

This move aligns Italy with several other European nations that have recently reviewed or restricted defence exports to the region. While the Prime Minister reaffirmed Italy's commitment to Israel’s security, she emphasised that the current circumstances necessitated a pause in active military cooperation. 

Italian authorities are expected to maintain the suspension while monitoring the ongoing security situation and the potential for renewed diplomatic negotiations.

Photo Credits: AFP