Conte: no to renewal of Italy‑Israel military memorandum

On Friday Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain expressed concern about Israel’s plans in Gaza and reaffirmed commitment to a two‑State solution.

Tens of thousands of people in The Hague called on the Dutch government to act against Israel, arguing that it is committing “genocide” in Gaza.

A group of Italian MPs at the Rafah crossing showed “Stop genocide now” signs and called for a total arms embargo on Israel.

The article stresses that government support for Israel remains strong in other EU countries, such as Hungary, Czechia and Germany, which refuse to review the agreement or defend close ties with Israel.

Italy has no intention of revoking the Defense memorandum with Israel [...] it is automatically renewed every five years, unless one of the two countries decides to withdraw.

The memorandum will extend its effects until 2031, despite many jurists and the opposition having long asked the Italian government to step back due to crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.

The signatories of the appeal ask first and foremost for a political signal to distance themselves from Netanyahu’s policies. They will have to wait another 5 years, at least.

Government sources explain that the memorandum is valuable especially at a time like this, with an international crisis context particularly delicate above all for our military engaged in the Middle East.

Ten Italian jurists sent a formal warning to the government, asking to denounce the memorandum on military cooperation with Israel.

The jurists argue that the memorandum blatantly, deliberately, systematically and intersectionally violates general, treaty and humanitarian international law.

According to the jurists, the secrecy of the memorandum violates the right to information enshrined in Article 21 of the Italian Constitution and the human right to peace.

An international human rights law expert describes the letter as “a PR stunt disguised as a legal document” to pressure the Italian government.

Rome will resume funding to UNRWA after an independent review found no evidence supporting Israeli accusations about the agency’s staff role in the 7 October attacks.

Israel launched a brutal military offensive after the 7 October attack, killing over 35,000 Palestinians, while the Gaza Strip remains in ruins after nearly eight months of war.

Minister Tajani states that Italy will allocate €35 million for the Palestinian population, of which €5 million are destined for UNRWA and €30 million to the “Food for Gaza” initiative.

The article describes the suspension of funds to UNRWA as an “additional collective punishment” and reports that in northern Gaza a “declared famine” is underway, with hospitals effectively inaccessible.

A group of Italian jurists calls on the Meloni government to end the memorandum of military cooperation with Israel, deeming it illegal.

According to the signatories, the memorandum violates international law, humanitarian law and the Italian Constitution, in particular Article 11.

The article speaks of a “fully genocidal turn of the Zionist regime” and of a “now rampant genocide” recognized by the International Court of Justice.

The jurists warn that renewing the memorandum would make Italy complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and violate UN obligations and the Geneva Conventions.

"It is deeply shocking – indeed inhuman – that various governments have taken decisions that will cause further suffering to two million Palestinians..."

The alleged actions of a few individuals must not be used as a pretext to cut vital aid, which could amount to collective punishment.

It is shameful that, instead of following up on the ICJ ruling, key states have cut funds to the main aid provider for civilians in Gaza.

For years the state of Israel and right‑wing groups have conducted a smear campaign against UNRWA, which protects the Palestinians’ right of return.

"Forced expulsions are just another knot in the broader tangle of the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict"

"Italy – like other European states – has expanded bilateral cooperation with Israel, resulting in a form of tokenism towards Palestinians"

"Italy should acknowledge the clear asymmetry of power between Israel and the Palestinians, admitting there are not two equal parties fighting"

"This double game allows Israel, described by some organizations as an apartheid regime, to perpetuate structurally oppressive practices"

Experts say that, after the ICC warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, Western countries will have to review arms sales to Israel.

All 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute are now legally obliged to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they enter their territories.

A professor of international law says that, if Israeli leaders are accused of crimes against humanity, weapons supplied by Western countries could be seen as used to commit them.

According to the article, the ICC decision could lead more Western countries to impose arms export embargoes on Israel, in light of their legal obligations.

The Israeli government has stained itself with serious war crimes and crimes against humanity, committing a genocide in Gaza.

Italy has the specific duty to prevent the renewal of the Memorandum in order to comply with the principles written in our Constitution.

The appeal is to mark a clear distance from Netanyahu’s illegal conduct and to put pressure to isolate the Netanyahu government.

These are patriotic choices.

Who would confirm cooperation with a country guilty of genocide and aggressions against neighbouring countries?

Israel is described as responsible for endangering the safety of Italian soldiers.

The final assertion (“Meloni, obvious”) underlines a direct and ironic criticism of the Italian government.