Italy Suspends Israel Defense Pact

The decision to freeze the automatic renewal of the defense pact covers military equipment and joint research initiatives.

Meloni's government, once among Israel's closest friends in Europe, has become increasingly critical of attacks on Lebanese civilians and UN peacekeepers.

The suspension follows a series of sharp rebukes from Italian officials and a public rift with President Trump over his stance on the war.

Diplomatic sources suggest it would have been 'politically difficult' for Rome to maintain the agreement as regional hostilities continue to escalate.