Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Tuesday that her government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of Italy's defense cooperation agreement with Israel.

"In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel," Meloni told reporters at the Vinitaly wine fair in Verona. The memorandum of understanding, in force since April 2016 and renewed every five years, facilitates the exchange of military materials, cooperation on training and technological research and development.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon and recent strikes involving Iran. Italy, which contributes around 1,000 troops to the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, protested after Israeli forces fired at a convoy of Italian peacekeepers last week, damaging a vehicle but causing no injuries.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited Lebanon recently, where he condemned Israeli attacks on civilians and expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people. "The government will work for peace and an end to the suffering," Tajani said. Israel responded by summoning Italy's ambassador in Tel Aviv. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also informed his Israeli counterpart of the suspension in a letter.

Meloni's right-wing government has historically been one of Israel's closest allies in Europe, providing consistent diplomatic support during conflicts in Gaza and elsewhere. The decision marks a notable shift, prompted by domestic pressures and concerns over escalation in Lebanon, where Italy fears a repeat of the Gaza situation.

The agreement was originally signed in 2003 under then-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and had been set for tacit renewal after expiring on April 13. Earlier this year, Italian lawyers and opposition groups urged the government not to renew it, citing potential violations of international law and Italy's constitutional principles.

No immediate reaction came from Jerusalem, though Israeli media described the suspension as a setback amid its multi-front conflicts. Italy's action reflects broader European unease over the regional wars, which have included U.S.-backed Israeli strikes on Iran and deadly exchanges with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The suspension halts automatic continuation but leaves open the possibility of future negotiations. Italian officials emphasized the decision prioritizes national interests and peacekeeping commitments.