Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense agreement with Israel after 10 years, in consideration of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, April 14, in Verona, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the government had decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
“In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel,” said Giorgia Meloni.
Meloni stated that the decision was formally communicated by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who sent an official letter to his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, informing him of the suspension.
Italy Suspends Automatic Renewal of its Defense with Israel
The agreement, which came into force on 13 April 2016, provided a framework for bilateral cooperation in the defense sector.
It included provisions for the exchange of military equipment and collaboration on technological research between the armed forces of both countries.
Also Read: Italy Blocks US Military Flights from Sicilian Base Amid Iran Conflict
Under its terms, the agreement was subject to automatic renewal every five years.
This development comes shortly after Israel summoned Italy’s ambassador on Monday, April 14, 2026, to protest after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned what he called Israel’s “unacceptable attacks” on civilians in Lebanon during a visit to Beirut.
Before his summons, Tajani had visited Beirut for talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi.
In a statement, the foreign minister stated that he was in Italy to convey Italy’s solidarity following Israel’s unacceptable attacks against the civilian population.
In addition, Tajani called for dialogue between Lebanon and Israel and a necessary and lasting ceasefire, warning that another escalation like in Gaza must be avoided at all costs.
Melani Responds to Trump’s Criticisms of Pope Leo
Earlier, Meloni issued an initial statement backing Pope Leo as he flew off on an ambitious four-nation visit to Africa.
She stated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV were “unacceptable “ as he called for peace around the world.
“I find President Trump’s words towards the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war,” she said.
Also Read: Italy Announces Fully Funded Scholarships: How to Apply
“The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war,” Meloni said.
Trump has criticized Pope Leo, questioning his leadership and views on key global issues, including crime and foreign policy.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the Pope was not “doing a very good job” and accused him of being soft on crime and supporting positions he strongly disagrees with.
He also described Pope Leo as weak on crime and poor on foreign policy.
