Italy has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday.
Speaking to Italian media, Meloni said the government had taken the decision after reviewing the current regional situation. The move effectively halts further military collaboration, including joint training activities between Italy and Israel.
According to sources within Italy’s defense ministry, the suspension means no new military training initiatives will be carried out under the existing framework.
The decision followed a high-level meeting on Monday involving Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
The development comes as geopolitical tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, prompting several countries to reassess their strategic and defense engagements in the region.
