Israel downplays Italy’s suspension of defence agreement

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed Italy’s decision to suspend the automatic renewal of a bilateral defence agreement, describing the move as having no practical impact on security cooperation.

According to Israeli broadcaster N12, citing sources within the Foreign Ministry, officials said the arrangement in question is not a binding defence pact but rather a memorandum of understanding with limited substantive content. As such, they argued, its suspension does not affect ongoing security matters between the two countries.

The response follows Italy’s decision to halt the automatic renewal of the agreement amid the current geopolitical situation. 

By Sabina Mammadli