Italy suspends defense pact with Israel

Italy has taken the dramatic step of freezing its defense pact with Israel, citing the unacceptable escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension following an incident in which Israeli forces allegedly fired on a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

The decision halts the automatic renewal of agreements covering military equipment and joint research, reflecting a deepening rift between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has been increasingly critical of the humanitarian impact of the war, signaling that Italy's support for Israel is no longer unconditional.