Why has Italy’s Giorgia Meloni suspended a defence pact with Israel?

What Happened

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Monday that Italy will not renew a 2003 defence memorandum with Israel. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto notified his Israeli counterpart of the suspension. The accord covered defence industry cooperation and military equipment transfers. The move reflects Italian concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel's government downplayed the decision, calling it largely symbolic. Italy had previously supported Israel's Gaza war but condemned recent attacks on Lebanon civilians.

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