Enough is enough. Antonio Tajani sends a clear message to Benjamin Netanyahu: “The bombing of Gaza must stop. An immediate ceasefire is needed”. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks to Il Messaggero on his return flight from Brussels. Just hours earlier, the Israeli army had opened fire in Jenin near a delegation of diplomats – including the Italian deputy consul.
Minister, what is your response to the gunfire in Jenin?
“We have summoned the Israeli ambassador in Rome and requested clarification. It is unacceptable to use firearms against a diplomatic delegation. Equally unacceptable is the claim that the delegation took a wrong turn. Israel had been informed of their movements”.
How did you find out?
“I was travelling with President Mattarella and informed him immediately. I then phoned Prime Minister Meloni. It’s an unacceptable breach of international law. Diplomats must never be targeted”.
Has Netanyahu gone too far?
“Our position is clear. The bombings must stop. We need an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, which must leave Gaza. The only actor we recognise is the Palestinian Authority”.
Is Italy condemning Netanyahu?
“Italian dissent is clear in our actions. Netanyahu must halt the raids on Gaza and restore humanitarian aid. Yesterday, we voted in favour of the WHO resolution calling for an end to the health emergency in Gaza. It’s vital that health conditions meet international standards – a topic we are discussing with Israel”.
The opposition accuses you of remaining silent.
“Demagoguery. We respond with action. Italy supports the solution proposed by Egypt and Arab countries to rebuild Gaza without displacing the population. We have extended the state of emergency for Gaza, allocated new funds, and on Tuesday we helped 52 Palestinians leave the Strip”.
Trump’s proposal includes deportation.
“Deportation is not an option. No Arab country would accept it. We are committed to a two-state solution for two peoples”.
So Italy will recognise the Palestinian State?
“Of course – but not with Hamas. Recognition must be the outcome of a negotiated process with Israel, in which both states recognise each other. Otherwise, it would be a symbolic gesture without substance”.
Is genocide taking place?
“There is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Israel is a friend, and that’s why we say this openly: the bombings must stop. At the same time, Hamas must release all hostages – it is they who brought war upon their own people. Today, Hamas has been defeated”.
The EU wants to review its Association Agreement with Tel Aviv. Italy voted no. Why?
“We weren’t alone – ten countries, including Germany, voted no. The tally was seventeen to ten”.
Will the Food for Gaza initiative resume?
“It’s ready to resume. Israeli authorities will soon allow Italian food supplies, currently held at the port of Ashdod, to enter. We have the support of both Israelis and Palestinians. The aid is distributed by the World Food Programme and does not pass through UNRWA”.
Netanyahu is wanted by the Hague. If he came to Italy, would he be arrested?
“Legally speaking, arresting a head of government is extremely complex. He would arrive with his own security detail – are we imagining a gunfight between Mossad and the Carabinieri? This is purely theoretical”.
Let’s turn to the war in Ukraine. Can the Vatican help break the deadlock?
“The Vatican’s mediation could be crucial. But I’m sceptical that Putin wants to end the war soon. We all hope for a ceasefire, but Russia is buying time”.
Why?
“Putin has a million troops in the field, paid double the wage of a factory worker. The entire Russian industry has been retooled for defence. Ending the war now would risk plunging the country into even deeper economic crisis”.
Is Trump wrong to trust him?
“Any peace effort is welcome, and we fully support American mediation. But the ball is now in Russia’s court”.
There’s another American on the scene: Pope Leo XIV. When will talks begin at the Vatican?
“Hopefully soon. But we mustn’t be superficial. At his enthronement, the Pope delivered a deeply powerful speech on Christian peace. I’m convinced he will play a key role”.
Will Zelensky have to give up the occupied territories?
“That will be up to the Russians and Ukrainians to negotiate. What’s essential is that Europe is at the table. We’ve imposed sanctions on Russia, and we need guarantees before lifting them. This isn’t about humiliating a country but about defending international law, which Moscow has violated”.
The Tirana summit went ahead without Italy, which raised eyebrows. Is Macron trying to sideline Meloni?
“Italy was never excluded. We are recognised by everyone – from the United States to Merz and Starmer – as a key player. Meloni and Macron have also spoken directly…”.
So you’re not worried about French manoeuvres?
“You can’t do without Italy. We are Europe’s second-largest manufacturing power, the world’s fifth-largest trading power. Trying to sideline us would be surreal”.
In July, the reconstruction conference will take place in Rome. Will that follow a ceasefire?
“I hope for a ceasefire first, then a truce, and finally peace. The Rome conference will be a major event involving leading Italian and international companies in rebuilding Ukraine. We’re optimistic, but we must also remain realistic. Challenging weeks lie ahead”.
