Italy suspends Israel defense pact

Italy has frozen the automatic renewal of its military and research agreement with Israel, a significant diplomatic shift for Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government.

The decision was prompted by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and specific incidents involving the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.

Italian officials have become increasingly critical of Israeli military tactics, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling for greater protection of civilians.

This policy change has drawn a sharp rebuke from President Trump, who accused Meloni of lacking courage and failing to support the broader Western strategy in the region.