Considered Trump's last ally in Europe, Giorgia Meloni has just suspended a military agreement of over 20 years with Israel and rejected Italy's entry into the blockade of Hormuz.

Considered Trump’s last ally in Europe, Giorgia Meloni has just suspended a military agreement of over 20 years with Israel and rejected Italy’s entry into the blockade of Hormuz.

Written by Douglas Avila

Published on 16/04/2026 at 17:02

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Italian Prime Minister announces in Verona that the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2003 will not be renewed — decision formalized on April 13 by Meloni, Tajani, Crosetto, and Salvini, ending cooperation in military training

The Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on April 14, 2026, in Verona.

The cited justification was “the current situation” in the Middle East. The conflict involving Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz pressured the decision.

The formalization took place on April 13, 2026, during a meeting among the main ministers of the Italian government.

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From closest ally to dissenting voice

Meloni’s government was described as “one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe”. The change surprised analysts.

In recent weeks, Italy had already been criticizing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. The suspension of the agreement was the most concrete step.

Meloni reaffirmed alignment with Europe and the West. But signaled that she will act when disagreeing with allied positions.

A confirmed operational consequence: Italy will no longer cooperate with Israel in military training.

The decision has more symbolic than practical impact. But it marks a historic break in the bilateral relationship.

Italy refuses to join the Hormuz blockade

In addition to suspending the agreement with Israel, Italy refused to participate in the U.S. naval coalition to force the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Rome denied permission for American bombers to refuel at a military base in southern Italy.

The dual refusal — agreement with Israel + Hormuz blockade — positions Meloni on a collision course with Trump.

Trump even publicly criticized Meloni. The relationship that seemed solid deteriorated in a matter of days.

Those who follow geopolitics know that the blockade of Hormuz is already impacting gasoline and diesel in Brazil.

Flags of Italy and Israel side by side with symbolic crack — The Italy-Israel defense agreement lasted over 20 years and covered the arms industry and training — Illustrative image

Italy looks to Ukraine as a drone partner

As it distances itself from Israel, Meloni seeks new technological partners. Ukraine is one of the options.

The war in Iran demonstrated the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones in real combat. Europe took note.

Meloni and Zelensky discussed a partnership for joint drone manufacturing. Ukraine becomes a military showroom for Europe.

Italy wants to produce drones with Ukrainian technology. It is a paradigm shift in European defense alliances.

Ukrainian military drone flying over a test field — Ukrainian experience in combat drones attracted Italy’s interest for joint production — Illustrative image

Symbolic decision with uncertain long-term impact

The suspension of the agreement is more symbolic than operational. Arms trade between Italy and Israel has not been prohibited.

Diplomatic relations can quickly be restored if the situation in the Middle East changes.

The partnership with Ukraine on drones is still exploratory. There are no signed contracts or disclosed amounts.

Information compiled from CNN Brasil and Al Jazeera. Volatile geopolitical situation, data may change rapidly.

Considered Trump’s last ally in Europe, Giorgia Meloni has just suspended a military agreement of over 20 years with Israel and rejected Italy’s entry into the blockade of Hormuz.

Italian Prime Minister announces in Verona that the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2003 will not be renewed — decision formalized on April 13 by Meloni, Tajani, Crosetto, and Salvini, ending cooperation in military training

From closest ally to dissenting voice

Italy refuses to join the Hormuz blockade

Italy looks to Ukraine as a drone partner

Symbolic decision with uncertain long-term impact

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Considered Trump’s last ally in Europe, Giorgia Meloni has just suspended a military agreement of over 20 years with Israel and rejected Italy’s entry into the blockade of Hormuz.

Italian Prime Minister announces in Verona that the defense cooperation agreement signed in 2003 will not be renewed — decision formalized on April 13 by Meloni, Tajani, Crosetto, and Salvini, ending cooperation in military training

From closest ally to dissenting voice

Italy refuses to join the Hormuz blockade

Italy looks to Ukraine as a drone partner

Symbolic decision with uncertain long-term impact

A giant printer called the “Ferrari” of concrete has landed in Latin America and can already build a 120-square-meter house in just 48 hours, making the traditional construction site look like something from the last century.

A British company has installed in the middle of the ocean the world’s first floating platform that generates electricity 24 hours a day from the temperature difference between the surface and the depths of the Atlantic, without relying on wind or sun.

Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has ceased to be a climatic phenomenon and has become a biological system that feeds on itself, with 8,000 kilometers in length, 37 million tons of algae, and scientists confirm that it is now permanent.

China is building an artificial island in the middle of the sea, covering 20 km², to construct the largest offshore airport in the world, the Dalian Jinzhouwan. This $4.3 billion project is anchored on more than 3,000 pillars embedded in the rock beneath the ocean and is scheduled to open in 2035.

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