In speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a sharp rebuke of Israel's conduct in the Gaza conflict, indicating a potential shift in one of Israel's key European alliances. Meloni, a traditionally strong supporter of Israel, confirmed that Italy intends to vote in favor of some European Commission sanctions against the Jewish state.
Meloni stated that Israel's military campaign has "disproportionately involved the Palestinian civilian population" and has thus "crossed the line, violating humanitarian norms and causing a massacre among civilians." This, she said, is "unacceptable" to Italy and has led to the decision to support a number of proposed sanctions.
This move could be pivotal. For the European Union to impose trade-related measures against Israel, a qualified majority is needed, which means 55% of member states representing at least 65% of the EU population. Until now, Italy and Germany, both significant and historically pro-Israel countries, have been instrumental in blocking such sanctions. While Germany is not expected to change its vote, Italy's shift could provide the crucial swing vote to pass sanctions.
