Italian Fascists' Love Affair With Israel
Italy's far-right leader's support for her Israeli counterpart is no coincidence, writes Matteo Tiratelli.
Ever since the overthrow of Benito Mussolini, Palestine has been central to the struggle to ensure that fascism never returns to the country.
Few nations have such a disconnect between the public and the state when it comes to Palestine as Italy.
The Italian government is one of just three – the others are Germany and the United States – that have continued to supply major conventional weapons to Israel since 2020.
- attack helicopters
- naval guns
- parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets
Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni has continued to provide diplomatic cover to her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, refusing to take even the symbolic step of recognising the Palestinian state.
The Italian people, meanwhile, have been full-throated in their support for Palestinian liberation.
Author summary: Italy's government supports Israel despite public opinion.