Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday announced the suspension of Italy’s defence agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research.
“In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” Meloni was quoted as saying by Italian news agency Ansa.
An Italian diplomatic source confirmed to AFP that the agreement had been suspended, saying: “It would have been politically difficult to keep it going.”
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What is the agreement about?
According to the report, the agreement with Israel was approved in 2006 and is reviewed every five years. It calls for cooperation across defence industries, education and training of military personnel, research and development and information technology, among others.
Tensions between the two countries have risen over the past week after the Italian government accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
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Tensions between Israel and Italy on rise
Italy has earlier condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, with the Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling it “unacceptable attacks” on Lebanese civilians. Following this, Israel summoned Italy’s ambassador on Monday.
Tajani also visited Beirut on Monday for talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. He later wrote on X that he was there to “convey Italy’s solidarity following Israel’s unacceptable attacks against the civilian population”.
Speaking on the sidelines of a wine industry fair in Verona, Meloni pressed for peace negotiations to end the war between Israel, US and Iran. She also urged to stabilise the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and reopen it.
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“It is necessary to continue working in order to advance peace negotiations, making every possible effort to stabilise the situation and reopen the (Hormuz) Strait, which is fundamental for us, not only for fuel supplies but also for fertilisers,” Meloni said.
(With inputs from AFP)
