In recent months, mounting tensions have emerged between Italy and its key allies, Israel and the United States, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. The friction comes despite longstanding political ties between Rome and both nations, which are led by figures long aligned with Meloni’s center-right Vision party.
A pivotal moment came with Rome’s call for European sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following a widely criticized video showing him mocking and verbally abusing handcuffed activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. This move reflects growing frustration with the Netanyahu government over its military operations in Lebanon.
Simultaneously, Meloni appears to have strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump after defending Pope Leo XIV from Trump’s public criticism, describing the attacks as “unacceptable.” In a more significant gesture, she declined Trump’s request to support military action against Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“When you behave like a waiter, the boss ends up treating you like a waiter,” said Arturo Scotto, a member of the Democratic Party, during a recent debate on Euronews’ The Ring. “That’s exactly what happened to Giorgia Meloni. By trying to distance herself slightly from Donald Trump, he reminded her who holds the reins.” Scotto argued for severing trade agreements with Israel.
Claudio Borghi, a senator from the League, pushed back against sanctions, warning they could backfire. “Italy runs a trade surplus with Israel, so we’d essentially be sanctioning ourselves,” Borghi said. He emphasized his party’s support for strong U.S. ties and Italy’s potential EU exit.
The Ring is hosted by Vincenzo Genovese, and produced by Luis Albertos Altarejos and Amaia Echevarria. TV director and Editor: Vassilis Glynos.