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

Italy has suspended its defense agreement with Israel, a memorandum of understanding established in 2003, marking a significant shift for one of Israel's strongest European allies. The agreement, focused on cooperation in defense industry, procurement, and military equipment, was set for automatic renewal every five years. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto notified his Israeli counterpart of the suspension. While the Israeli government downplays the impact, calling it an agreement that "never materialised," the move is seen as a symbolic expression of Italy's unease with Israel's actions in the Middle East. Despite the suspension, Italy has not fully cancelled the agreement, and it has largely supported Israel’s war on Gaza.

Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her perceived lack of courage regarding the US-Israel conflict with Iran. In an interview published Tuesday, Trump expressed shock at Meloni's unwillingness to join the war and accused her of not helping with NATO or preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He claimed they haven't spoken recently and that Italy, under Meloni's leadership, has changed, citing immigration as a problem. Trump also criticized Europe's unwillingness to defend the Hormuz Strait. Meloni's allies and political opponents have offered her support following Trump's remarks.

Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel. The agreement, initially approved by Israel in 2006 and renewed every five years, covers military equipment exchange, technology research, and training. Meloni cited "the current situation" as the reason for the suspension. The decision follows recent tensions between Italy and Israel, including accusations of Israeli forces firing warning shots at Italian peacekeepers in Lebanon. Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador in protest, while Israel summoned the Italian ambassador following Italian criticism of Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians. The agreement covers cooperation across defense industries, education and training of military personnel, research and development, and information technology.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of lacking "courage" and failing to support U.S. efforts against Iran. In an interview, Trump called Meloni "unacceptable" and expressed shock at her stance, claiming she relies on the U.S. while refusing to act. The dispute escalated after Meloni criticized Trump's remarks targeting Pope Leo XIV, who Trump has also criticized for his stance on Iran and other political issues. This marks a shift in Trump's tone towards Meloni, who he previously praised. The White House and Meloni's office have not yet responded. The public disagreement comes as Meloni has begun distancing herself from Washington.

Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for lacking courage and not joining the US in confronting Iran. Trump expressed his shock at Meloni's stance, particularly regarding Italy's potential suspension of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel. This criticism marks a shift in their previously close relationship. Trump also criticized Pope Leo, which Meloni found unacceptable. She defended her position, stating that alliances require honesty, even in disagreement. The tensions come amid a turbulent period for Meloni's government, facing criticism and a recent defeat in a justice referendum. Despite the strain, Meloni maintains that Washington remains a priority ally.