Italy suspends automatic renewal of defence agreements with Israel amid Middle East tensions

Italy has halted the automatic renewal of its defence agreements with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, citing ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the need to support diplomatic efforts.

According to statements from the Italian government, the decision comes as conflict dynamics involving Iran and the United States continue to raise concerns about regional stability. Meloni said advancing peace talks remains a priority and stressed the importance of reopening key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

The Italian government said the suspension applies specifically to the automatic renewal mechanism of existing defence arrangements with Israel. Officials indicated the move reflects a broader reassessment of security cooperation in light of current geopolitical conditions.

Meloni also noted that stability in the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global supply chains, particularly for fuel and fertilizer, both of which have direct economic implications.

It remains unclear how long the suspension will remain in place or what conditions would lead to a reinstatement of the agreements.