ROME “Italy calls on the Iranian government and on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu himself to curb the use of violence. It calls on absolutely everyone to stop the war from spiralling. In these hours, one more missile from one side or the other could cause this war to escalate out of control. Let us work with conviction to prevent the entire region from falling into the abyss of a widespread war – a catastrophe that no one would be able to control, which would bring about death and devastation for years. The prospect in the region remains that of two states – an Israeli state that can safely coexist with a Palestinian one – and a stable Lebanon that can remain an example of coexistence between the various communities and religions.”
By early afternoon, Antonio Tajani was informed of an Iranian attack. After closing an election event in Genoa, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs took part in a brief summit with Giorgia Meloni and Guido Crosetto at Palazzo Chigi and hurried back to Rome.
What is happening?
“We knew that Iran reacting was a possibility, and now we fear an Israeli counter-reaction. In the last few hours, the Italian government has been very busy protecting the Italian citizens who are still stuck in Lebanon, even organising charter flights to get them back, but as of today, the scenario could become much, much more dangerous. The war could spread quickly. We keep following the crisis points we were working on, both in Gaza and in Lebanon.”
What are the risks for the Italian contingent in Lebanon?
“Our soldiers are protected inside the barracks, in the UN bunkers. I myself spoke with the Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs and was assured that the sites where they are located will not be put at risk. I spoke with Prime Minister Meloni and my colleague Crosetto in exchange. We will have to discuss how to continue the mission with the UN.”
Is a withdrawal of the UN contingent possible?
“The UN and Italian Defence share plans for all the necessary options. What needs to be done will be done.”
What are you going to say today before the Chambers’ Committees?
“Whether before the Committee or in the Chamber, I will be saying the same thing – we have made every effort, taking into account our political and diplomatic levers, firstly to alleviate the suffering of the populations involved, then to prevent this war from spreading and becoming a full-blown regional conflict. In cooperation with the US, we have kept the G7 united for months in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. We will hold a ‘Quint’ meeting with the US, France, Germany and Great Britain. The EU has also maintained its commitment to the truce and to the protection of the Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese people.”
What about Israel?
“As I always say, Israel has the right to defend itself. 7 October was a disgrace, an unparalleled affront to an entire nation. However, no more innocent people must be killed. I repeat, a local war must not turn into a regional catastrophe. Direct attacks between Israel and Iran really do risk setting the entire Middle East on fire.”
The appeals seem to fall on deaf ears.
“Achieving a truce is no easy task. Yet, we must not give up. We must serve as a bridge between the parties, and that is what we are doing. At the same time, we are safeguarding both our citizens as well as the military, and we are providing a lot of aid.”
What kind of aid?
“First and foremost, a new EUR 17 million emergency aid package for Lebanon. 3 for an immediate response to the humanitarian emergency; 4 for immediate medical assistance to the refugee population. Tomorrow, I will meet UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi in Rome. Another 10 million is for initiatives carried out by Lebanese Civil Society Organisations in the water, health and hygiene sectors, as well as in the school sector.”
What do you ask of Israel?
“That they don’t do what they did in Gaza, that they don’t bomb and put the people at risk. Their intention is to destroy Hezbollah, and militarily push their militia north of the Litani river, thus creating a security zone without any Hezbollah arsenals. However, the clash has now escalated – let us assess the damage the Iranian missiles will have done to Israel, and if Israel decides on a counter-response, we will see what their targets will be.”
Anti-Israel protests grow louder in Italy.
“To question or criticise a government is always perfectly legitimate, but I am very concerned about extremism, whereby any citizen of the Jewish religion is seen as an enemy. To call Liliana Segre a Zionist agent is shameful, and it is very easy to escalate to anti-Semitism. We really do not need extremism at this stage.”
You also said this about the ultra-right’s success in Austria, wishing that the People’s Party would not ally with them. Salvini replied that you may be drunk on food…
“I’m on a diet… and in any case, the fact that these parties, starting with the Afd, are dangerous is also what Jews who are worried about the advance of these forces, along with many citizens of their own countries, are saying.
According to FdI group leader Foti, it would be better not to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries.
“I don’t meddle. As a member of a People’s Party, I think it is fairer that a fellow party of ours in Europe forms an alliance with liberals and socialists, not with the ultra-right. Besides, this is Europe, and these are forces that still claim rights over South Tyrol…”
Salvini is rooting for Trump to restore peace. Are you?
“I am concerned with today, not tomorrow. I believe that America must bring about solutions and open negotiations and peace tables whatever president the voters choose. That’s its role.”
