Italy Suspends Defence Deal With Israel
‘Following Israel’s unacceptable attacks against the civilian population.’
by Sophia Sheera
14 April 2026
Italy has suspended a long-standing defence agreement with Israel involving the exchange of military equipment and technological research.
“In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” said prime minister Giorgia Meloni, Italian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was in Beirut on Monday for talks with Lebanese president Joseph Aoun.
Tajani later posted on X that he was there to “convey Italy’s solidarity following Israel’s unacceptable attacks against the civilian population”.
Since 2006, the two countries have abided by an agreement that ensures cooperation in the training of military personnel, research, IT and other aspects of defence.
Meloni was formerly one of US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s closest European allies. But in recent weeks, Italy has moved away from both countries.
Friendships deteriorated further when the Israeli army fired warning shots at an Italian peacekeeping convoy outside Beirut on 8 April.
Sophia Sheera is a journalist in Novara Media’s social media team.