Italian Defence Minister, Lorenzo Crosetto, met with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, in Tel Aviv on Friday, underscoring the significance of demonstrating friendship and solidarity with Israel. Minister Gallant expressed gratitude for Italy’s support, and both officials emphasized the joint effort to build a future of coexistence and peace in the region.
Minister Crosetto welcomed the planned release of Israeli civilians held hostage by Hamas, expressing hope for a lasting truce until all 240 individuals could be safely reunited with their families. While highlighting concerns for the right to life of the Palestinian civilian population, he reiterated that the fight against Hamas would persist until the group was rendered militarily harmless.
Earlier in the day, Minister Crosetto called for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the role of the Italy-heavy United Nations peacekeeping mission at the Israel-Lebanon border. Stressing the need for potential changes in rules of engagement to enhance contingent security, he indicated that ongoing rocket attacks suggested UNIFIL had not achieved its intended goals despite over 20 years of operation. The risk of an escalation involving Lebanon and possibly Syria was also highlighted.
Looking ahead, Minister Crosetto emphasized Italy’s active role in providing humanitarian aid, including the deployment of a fully staffed and equipped Navy hospital ship. Another field hospital stands ready for deployment, and Italian aircraft are engaged in urgent medical transport flights for those in imminent danger.
As Minister Crosetto continues his Middle East tour in the coming days, he reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian, diplomatic, political, and material needs of both Israel and the Palestinian population.
