Italy announces suspension of military cooperation agreement with Israel

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday she was suspending the automatic extension of a military cooperation agreement with Israel, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

According to AFP, the agreement provided for the exchange of military equipment and joint technological developments.

An Italian source familiar with the situation told Haaretz that the decision merely formalizes the current policy. Military cooperation with Israel was effectively curtailed after October 7, 2023, in accordance with an Italian law prohibiting the supply of weapons to countries that violate international norms. According to the source, Italy does not buy weapons from Israel, does not sell weapons to it and does not conduct joint exercises with the Israel Defense Forces.

At the same time, Haaretz notes that, contrary to statements, direct ties between Italy and Israeli companies did not stop after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Italy continued to purchase Israeli equipment and defense systems. For example, options for the purchase of Spike missiles were exercised within the framework of an existing contract signed with Rafael in June 2023, and even a new contract was signed for the purchase of batteries for the communications systems of the Elbit concern.