The Italian government halted all new arms deals with Israel shortly after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Tuesday, according to the ANSA news agency.
Following the beginning of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Meloni explained during a Senate debate that her government immediately suspended all new export licenses, and any agreements made after October 7 were not carried out. She added that licenses approved before that date are being reviewed individually by the foreign ministry.
Meloni emphasized that Italy’s approach is far stricter compared to that of other countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, declaring, “We have blocked everything.”
On October 27, Israeli ground forces entered Gaza and did not stop until today, killing more than 42,000 Palestinians so far, as per health ministry in Gaza.
Italy’s stance toward Israel has become increasingly critical, especially as Israeli forces engage Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon to restore approximately 60,000 displaced civilians to northern Israel. Hezbollah, aligned with Hamas, has launched daily attacks on Israel since October 8, killing over 40 people and causing widespread destruction.
In her Senate speech, Meloni condemned Israeli attacks on UN Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers, with Italy being Europe’s largest contributor to the mission. She deemed such attacks unacceptable, though no casualties or major damage were reported.
