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Lead: Tajani’s Senate Rebuke of Ben‑GvirIn a Senate session on Tuesday, Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani labeled the remarks of Israeli far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir as “unacceptable” and unworthy of a ministerial office. The comment, which mocked Italy’s shape by calling it the “land of the flip‑flop,” came amid investigations into Ben‑Gvir’s conduct toward activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Tajani Condemns Ben‑Gvir’s ‘Flip‑Flop’ Remarks in SenateTajani warned that Ben‑Gvir’s language reflects a low political and moral standard, and reiterated Rome’s push for the European Union to impose sanctions on the Israeli minister. The Italian foreign minister’s statement underscores growing diplomatic friction as the EU debates punitive measures. Detention of 430 Activists and EU Trade ExposureMore than 430 activists from dozens of countries were detained by Israeli forces off the coast of Cyprus after being intercepted in international waters.A video showed activists kneeling with hands tied, sparking international outcry and prompting Italy to open an inquiry into alleged torture and kidnapping of its citizens.The European Union accounts for over 30 % of Israel’s total goods trade in 2025, making any sanctions economically significant.France has also opened a war‑crimes investigation, and the EU is considering sanctions on Ben‑Gvir, though consensus remains elusive. Strained Italy‑Israel Relations Amid EU Sanctions DebateDespite Italy’s decision in April to suspend a defence agreement with Israel, Rome remains one of the EU’s strongest allies. Together with Germany, Italy is blocking a broader EU move to suspend a key trade pact with Israel. The tension is amplified by the EU’s recent step to sanction extremist Israeli settlers for human‑rights abuses in the West Bank. Potential Diplomatic Fallout and Trade ImplicationsIf the EU reaches a consensus on sanctions against Ben‑Gvir, Italy may lead a coordinated diplomatic response that could further strain bilateral ties. Continued scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of activists and the EU’s trade dependence on Israel suggest that future negotiations will balance human‑rights concerns against economic interests.

Italy's decision to suspend a defence agreement with Israel has significant implications for their long-standing relationship. The agreement, which was set to automatically renew every five years, was suspended by Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in a letter to his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz. The move comes as Italy's government and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni prepare for elections next year and face growing public discontent over the war in Iran and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Italy's reliance on gas imports and concerns over the economic impact of the crisis are also key factors. The Italian government's decision does not cancel the agreement outright but merely suspends it. This move is seen as a sharp reversal for a right-wing government that has been one of Europe's staunchest allies of Israel. Observers note that Italy's relations with Israel have soured recently, particularly after Israel's massive attack across Lebanon last week, which killed hundreds of people. The Italian ambassador to Tel Aviv was summoned after Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel for its 'unacceptable attacks against the civilian population' in Lebanon. Italy's decision to suspend its defence agreement with Israel 'must be seen within a broader effort to progressively stabilise the region, including by reducing tensions in Lebanon,' said Michele Valensise, president of the Institute for International Affairs. He added that Italy remains a friend to Israel but does not preclude taking a critical position against certain choices of the Israeli government. The suspension of the defence pact also reflects Italy's efforts to distance itself from US President Donald Trump, with whom Meloni had previously been closely aligned. Trump has criticised Meloni, saying he is 'shocked' by her decisions and implying that she lacks courage.

US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his key European allies, over her stance on the conflict with Iran. In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”Trump's criticism centers on Meloni's refusal to join the US-Israel coalition against Iran, a stance that has put her at odds with Trump. “She’s unacceptable because she doesn’t mind that Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance,” Trump said. This statement underscores the deepening divide between the US and Italy on the issue.Meloni, who has been Italy's leader since October 2022, was once considered one of Trump's closest allies in Europe. However, their relationship has soured recently. Trump noted that they had not spoken in a long time, adding, “She doesn’t help us with NATO. She doesn’t want to help get rid of a nuclear-weaponed Iran. Very sad … She’s much different than I thought,” highlighting his disappointment in Meloni's shift away from his policies.The rift between Trump and Meloni comes as Italy has suspended a defense agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research. This move follows accusations by the Italian government that Israeli forces fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian peacekeepers in Lebanon. Tensions between Italy and Israel have been escalating, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.In response to Trump's comments, Meloni's allies and political opponents rallied to her defense. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized Italy's commitment to Western unity and mutual respect, stating, “We are and remain staunch supporters of Western unity and steadfast allies of the United States, but this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty.” Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, condemned Trump's “serious lack of respect” and reiterated Italy's constitutional repudiation of war.

Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday in Verona. The pact, originally approved in 2006 and set to renew every five years, encompasses joint development of military equipment, technology research, training of personnel and information‑technology cooperation. Meloni explained that the decision reflects “the current situation,” referring to a recent episode in which Israeli forces allegedly fired warning shots at an Italian peacekeeping convoy in Lebanon, damaging a vehicle but causing no injuries. In response, Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest the incident, while Israel later called Italy’s ambassador after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, also deputy prime minister, condemned the “unacceptable attacks” on Lebanese civilians. Tajani was in Beirut for talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, and posted on X that he was conveying Italy’s solidarity with Lebanon. Until now, Meloni’s right‑wing government has been one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe. The suspension marks a notable shift in the relationship, although the Israeli government has not issued an immediate reaction. The defence accord, which automatically renews every five years, includes cooperation across defence industries, education and training of military personnel, research and development, and information‑technology initiatives.

Donald Trump publicly rebuked Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming she showed no courage for refusing to support a U.S. strike on Iran. The remarks were made during an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, where Trump said, “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”Meloni’s stance follows her government’s decision to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence cooperation memorandum with Israel, citing the “current situation” as justification. The move marks the first time Italy has halted the agreement, which had been in place since 2016 and facilitated military exchanges and technology sharing.Trump escalated the dispute, stating, “Giorgia Meloni doesn’t want to help us in the war… Does she like it? I can’t imagine.” He also linked his criticism to broader frustrations with European allies, accusing them of “abandoning” the United States and urging them to “go get your own oil.”Relations between Washington and Rome have already been strained after Trump’s earlier attacks on Pope Francis, whom he described as “not doing a very good job” and urged to stop “catering to the radical left.” Meloni condemned those comments as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that religious leaders should not be forced to follow political directives.Amid the diplomatic fallout, Italy is grappling with domestic challenges. A recent justice referendum, backed by the government, was defeated, a result analysts interpret as a broader vote of no confidence in Meloni’s leadership. Economic anxieties are rising as the ongoing Iran‑Israel conflict threatens global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade contributing to a sharp increase in diesel prices across Europe.Political historian Lorenzo Castellani of Luiss University described the situation as a “repositioning,” noting that Meloni may be wary of alienating centre‑right voters who are increasingly critical of Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the war’s economic repercussions.Despite the tension, Meloni reiterated that Washington remains a “priority ally,” adding that true alliances require candour: “When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree.”Trump’s remarks also targeted other NATO members, suggesting that countries like Spain could face troop withdrawals and accusing the United Kingdom of failing to “step up.” His comments underscore growing fractures within the alliance as the Iran conflict escalates.In parallel, Italy’s diplomatic ties with Israel are under pressure. The suspension of the defence memorandum follows a series of incidents, including Israeli airstrikes that have caused thousands of casualties in Lebanon and a near‑miss involving Italian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Italy’s ambassador to Israel was summoned after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the Israeli raids during a visit to Beirut.The confluence of these diplomatic disputes—Trump’s criticism of Meloni, the halted Israel‑Italy defence pact, and broader NATO tensions—highlights a volatile period for European‑U.S. relations amid an intensifying Middle‑East conflict.

Israeli police have taken unprecedented action by blocking Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. This move marks a significant escalation in tensions, as it is the first time in centuries that the Heads of the Church have been prevented from celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass at this sacred site.The Catholic Church strongly condemned the decision, describing it as a 'manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure' that disregards the sensibilities of billions of people worldwide. The Church emphasized that this incident represents an extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness, freedom of worship, and respect for the status quo.Israeli police cited safety concerns due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran as the reason for closing all holy sites in Jerusalem. However, this explanation has been met with criticism from various countries, including Italy and France. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the incident as 'an offence not only to the faithful, but to any community that respects religious freedom.'The incident has sparked international condemnation, with French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing that worship 'for all religions' must be guaranteed in Jerusalem. The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also summoned Israel's ambassador over the incident, highlighting the growing diplomatic fallout.