The agreement, signed in Paris by the defense ministers of the two countries at the time, governs cooperation in the import and export of military equipment, joint exercises, research and development, and the sharing of security-related information. Over the years, it has served as the framework for reciprocal procurement deals, including the Israeli Air Force's purchase of Italian training helicopters made by Leonardo and the Italian military's purchase of Spike missiles made by Rafael.
Israeli officials told Israel Hayom that "this is not a defense agreement but rather a memorandum of understanding that did not have much substance."
Before the war in Gaza, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated that Italy was Israel's third-largest arms supplier after the US and Germany, and that between 2019 and 2023 it accounted for about 1% of Israeli arms imports.
Meloni's remarks came after comments made several days ago by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in a post on his X account. After a lengthy phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Tajani wrote that the Italian government expressed full solidarity in the face of what he called "unjustified and unacceptable attacks" by Israel.
"Our message is clear: We must prevent a situation in which Lebanon becomes 'a second Gaza,'" Tajani said. He added that this position would also be conveyed formally and forcefully to Israel's ambassador to Italy, who was summoned for an urgent clarification meeting at the Farnesina, the Italian Foreign Ministry.
At the center of the tensions is the harm caused to UNIFIL soldiers, including Italian troops. The foreign minister strongly condemned the shooting incidents targeting UN forces and the shelling of civilians, stressing that Italy is insisting on absolute guarantees for the safety of its soldiers.
Meloni also did not hold back in criticizing Trump's remarks against the pope. "The things that were said against the Holy See are unacceptable. I express full solidarity with Pope Leo. What is more, I would not feel comfortable in a society in which religious leaders are subordinate to political leaders. Not in this part of the world."
As for relations with Washington, Meloni said the alliance between the countries remains strong and does not depend on the identity of the administration in power, but she stressed the importance of diplomatic honesty.
"The US is a foremost strategic ally," she said. "At the same time, among friends and allies, we must have the courage to express disagreement when it arises. That is how I conduct myself every day. When there is agreement, I say so, and when we do not see eye to eye, I make that clear. I believe that this approach faithfully serves Europe, the US and the West as a whole."
