As both Italy and Israel elected new governments, ties between the two nations have gotten closer, characterized by economic cooperation and culminating in – at least Israel hopes – the transfer of the Italian embassy to Jerusalem.
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Most recently, for the first time, the Italian parliament's both Chamber of Deputies and the Senate marked Israel's 75th independence, an event attended by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. In addition, Israel's Foreign Ministry is working on an invitation of Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Jerusalem.
"Israel's independence is not to be taken for granted," Ohana said at the event. "We fight every day and every hour against enemies who want to destroy us."
Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis also visited Italy last week to meet with his counterpart Anna Maria Bernini and innovation leaders, talks that are expected to continue. Italy has recently been granted billions of dollars from the European Union for the purpose of research, and Israel expects an increase in cooperation between Italian and Israeli researchers as well as investments in Israel.
In addition, in March, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited Jerusalem to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. A few days later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Rome as part of an official trip to Europe. During that visit, Netanyahu asked Meloni to consider moving Italy's embassy to Jerusalem.
Sources told Israel Hayom that senior Italian government officials are considering the idea. According to estimates, however, Italy is more likely to open a lower-level diplomatic office in Jerusalem.
Meloni came to power in late 2022 when Israel was led by interim Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who was hesitant to congratulate Italy's new prime minister.
Netanyahu, however, congratulated Meloni immediately upon her election, a warm embrace that might have led to the warming of ties between Jerusalem and Rome.
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