Rome – Antonio Tajani, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and leader of Forza Italia, emphasises Italy’s key role as the chair of the G7 in the international arena. He believes that only through unity can peace be achieved in the Middle East and Ukraine. “Even Zelensky has mentioned that this must be the year to end the conflict. We are committed to this goal,” he stated.
This focus on Ukraine is mirrored in other ongoing conflicts, particularly the situation in the Middle East. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is escalating, especially in light of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response to the Hamas attack on 7 October, which the International Criminal Court has labelled as tantamount to genocide and has issued an arrest warrant against him.
The government held differing views on this issue. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have exercised great caution, while Deputy Prime Minister Salvini expressed a clear position, welcoming the Israeli Prime Minister with open arms.
“We are united in our foreign policy, which is directed by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. We have been communicating and consulting with one another, making it clear that while we respect the Court, we will carefully examine its motivations. It is important that political opinions do not take precedence over the law. Additionally, while we have repeatedly urged Israel to protect the Palestinian civilian population, we do not equate those who plot to commit atrocities against Israel with those who defend themselves, even if their methods are not entirely convincing to us.”
So, has Salvini gone off track?
“He’s expressed his own position, but he is not the Foreign Minister. Just as I might comment on issues related to transportation despite not being the Transport Minister”.
However, this is about Italy’s position.
“Which, I repeat, is the one expressed by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.”
But how will you act in practice?
“It is not an immediate and pressing problem. I don’t believe Netanyahu will come to Italy or any other location, nor do I think that raising tensions will make it easier to achieve peace. He will certainly not change his course because of the decision from the International Criminal Court.”
So, what tools do you have?
“Diplomacy and maintaining contacts with all countries. Tomorrow (or today, ed.) we will discuss this topic, among others, during the Mediterranean Dialogues session with Foreign Ministers from many countries, as well as at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting. This G7 will include representatives from key countries essential for achieving peace: India, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Indonesia. We support the involvement of all relevant actors in the field.”
However, tensions remain very high. Putin is now launching new missiles and threatening to escalate the war…
“That was an old missile that they modified; it is not a new lethal weapon. Similarly, the enlistment of North Koreans and Yemenis is not a sign of strength. We must ensure that a peace conference takes place as soon as possible, involving both Russia and the U.S. We also intend to collaborate with the Trump administration.”
Meanwhile, Italy has indirectly found itself in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah with attacks on UNIFIL positions. What should be done?
“We have been advocating for this for a long time; we demand it: the UN must be braver and bolster the UNIFIL mission. For peace, we need a strong buffer to keep Hezbollah away from Israeli territories; we cannot remain inactive. A change in the rules of engagement is needed immediately. The border must be strengthened.”
I insist: don’t the divisions in foreign policy in the majority make Italy’s voice weaker?
No, they do not. Italy has always had a single position. Differences do exist within a coalition, they enrich it. It is then important to reach a synthesis, and we will continue to do so, just as we have in the past.
You held a summit to agree on finance. How did it go? Are you satisfied?
“Yes, we are satisfied. We gave a mandate to Minister Giorgetti to study
all open issues and put them in order. Our priorities are the social policies, turn over for the police, and support for manufacturing activities. He will verify the feasibility of our proposals”.
Are you ready to sacrifice any of your demands? Or will the Budget Law become a battleground?
“No conflicts; the atmosphere was very positive. For the proposals without funding, we are waiting to see how much will come from the reopening of the concordat, and we will allocate resources equitably”.
