ROME: In a fresh blow to Israel’s standing in Europe, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday that Rome will suspend its defense cooperation agreement with Tel Aviv. The decision follows Italy’s April 9 declaration that it would revoke all visas held by Israeli residents in the country, underscoring a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties.
The suspension adds to a series of setbacks Israel has faced across Europe since the February 28 joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered widespread unease.
Spain openly condemned the attack—becoming the only EU nation to do so—and was later excluded by Israel from the Civil-Military Coordination Center overseeing Gaza ceasefire arrangements.
Analysts say these moves reflect a growing willingness among European capitals to distance themselves from Israel’s military policies.
Italy’s defense freeze is particularly significant given the country’s longstanding strategic cooperation with Israel.
While Rome has not detailed the scope or timeline of the suspension, the announcement signals a readiness to translate political disapproval into concrete measures. Israel has yet to issue a formal response, but the decision is expected to strain ties further and deepen divisions within the European Union over how to engage with Israel amid the Gaza war and escalating tensions with Iran.
