Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that her government had decided to suspend the automatic renewal of a defence agreement with Israel, given ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
"In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel", Meloni was quoted as saying by several Italian news agencies.
The defence agreement involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research.
Meloni was speaking in Verona, on the sidelines of a wine industry fair.
Earlier, Israel summoned Italy's ambassador to protest after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel's "unacceptable attacks" on civilians in Lebanon during a visit to Beirut, an Italian diplomatic source said.
Tajani, a senior member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, visited Beirut on Monday for talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi.
Tajani wrote on X that he was there to "convey Italy's solidarity following Israel's unacceptable attacks against the civilian population".
He called for dialogue between Lebanon and Israel and a "necessary and lasting ceasefire" adding: "Another escalation like in Gaza must be avoided at all costs."
Italy's government summoned Israel's ambassador last week after saying Israeli forces fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, damaging at least one vehicle but causing no injuries.
Courtesy: NST
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
