Italian defence minister and public figure
On April 13, 2026, Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its 2005 defence memorandum with Israel. The move follows rising tensions after Israeli attacks in Lebanon and incidents involving Italian UN peacekeepers. Italy's right-wing government, previously a staunch Israel ally, is shifting its stance amid regional instability and upcoming elections.
The United States is considering reducing forces in Germany and has threatened to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain after criticizing those allies over the Iran war. European partners have pushed back, with Spain and Italy denying basing rights were used for Iran-related strikes.
U.S. officials have signalled a plan to reduce the pool of military capabilities available to NATO, cutting strategic bombers, some fighter deployments, naval assets and withholding certain drones, while senior U.S. diplomats are touring India to repair trade and energy ties and press Quad cooperation (as of 09 Jun 2026).
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has called President Donald Trump’s claim that she “begged” for a G7 photo “completely made up.” Foreign minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned US visit and senior Italian ministers have denounced the remarks, deepening a rift that has been growing since April over the Iran war and other disputes.
Italy has reframed NATO chief Mark Rutte’s remarks on US flights from Italian bases, saying authorisation covered only technical and logistical support for Epic Fury. Ministers say Italy complied with existing treaties and rejected broad characterisations of Italy’s role, as tensions with the US and the EU grow.