Italy Suspends Military Training and Defence Deal with Israel

Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its military cooperation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday.

While Meloni’s right-wing administration has historically been one of Israel’s strongest European allies, tensions have risen following recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon. These attacks have impacted Italian troops serving under a United Nations mandate.

"Given the current situation, the government has decided to halt the automatic renewal of our defence agreement with Israel," Meloni stated during a visit to Verona.

According to a Defence Ministry source, this decision means Italy will stop all joint military training exercises with Israel. The move was finalized on Monday following a high-level meeting between Meloni, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a formal response to the announcement.