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By James Nolan | ROME – 2025/05/25 07:33:39
In a recent interview, Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, discussed Italy’s stance on the Middle East conflict, European defense initiatives, the war in Ukraine, and potential changes to national service.
Italy’s Position on the Middle East Conflict
Table of Contents
When asked about Italy’s position on the conflict in the Middle East, Minister
Crosetto
stated, “Italy is historically friend of Israel. Precisely for this reason, as a friend, I cannot pretend not to see what the Palestinian people are suffering from dramatic.” He emphasized that while the war against
Hamas
is sacrosanct, it does not justify the suffering of innocent civilians.
crosetto
added, “For me the death of an innocent, man, woman or child, must be judged in the same way. In
Gaza
as in
Ukraine
or
Washington
.” He expressed difficulty in understanding the attitude of Prime Minister
Netanyahu
,reiterating Italy’s support for the “two peoples,two states” solution.
Italy has provided aid through the
Vulcano
hospital ship,the Food for
gaza
program,and an aerial bridge to transport injured individuals for treatment in Italian hospitals.
crosetto
affirmed, “Italy will continue to defend the right to security of
Israel
, but will never stop affirming with force that respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of innocent lives must always prevail.”
European Defense and Potential Dangers
Regarding the meeting with defense ministers from
France
,
Germany
,
Great Britain
, and
Poland
(E5 format),
Crosetto
highlighted the dangers facing Italy due to rapid global changes. He noted the potential for military conflict driven by nations seeking to increase their influence and wealth.
“If the force becomes the method of resolving international disputes,it changes everything,worse.”
Crosetto
emphasized the importance of
NATO
and
Europe
in addressing these challenges. he cited the
Russian
aggression against
Ukraine
as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent. He also cautioned against
Europe
becoming defenseless and lacking deterrence.
According to
NATO
data from 2023, only 11 of 31 member countries met the 2% of
GDP
threshold for defense expenditure.
Crosetto
mentioned that Italy is still below this threshold (1.46% in 2023) but is growing towards it.
Objectives of E5 and European defense Investments
Crosetto
explained that the E5 format aims to promote a more credible and cohesive European defense. The main objectives include increasing defense investments to at least 2% of
GDP
, strengthening the European defense industry through common projects, and accelerating common response capabilities.
Italy has proposed a “European defense pact” to enhance coordination and provide financial incentives.
Crosetto
highlighted the need to overcome fragmentation, noting the excessive number of different types of tanks and frigates in the
EU
compared to the
United States
.
