Italy debates foreign policy shift amid growing tensions with allies
Giorgia Meloni’s government is facing increased friction with the United States and Israel, stemming from calls for sanctions against Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Italy’s trade surplus with Israel complicates potential sanctions, posing risks of self-imposed economic repercussions amid heightened tensions in its foreign policy approach.
“When you behave like a waiter, the boss ends up treating you like a waiter,” said Arturo Scotto, commenting on Giorgia Meloni’s shifting foreign policy stance.
Meloni’s foreign policy twist on The Ring: Is Italy turning its back on Israel and US?
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In this special edition from the Imperial Fora in Rome, we are joined by Claudio Borghi, senator for the League, and Arturo Scotto, member of the Italian Parliament for the Democratic Party (PD).
The debate focuses on the alleged shift in the foreign policy of Giorgia Meloni’s government. In recent months, tensions have grown with the United States and Israel — two of Rome’s historic allies, both led by figures politically close to the Italian prime minister.
The call for European sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, following the shocking video in which he mocked and insulted handcuffed activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, marks the peak of mounting friction with the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, already criticized over its raids in Lebanon.
At the same time, Meloni appears to have fallen out of favor with Donald Trump after defending Pope Leo XIV, calling the U.S. president’s attacks on the pontiff “unacceptable.” More significantly, she ignored Trump’s appeal for military intervention against Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“When you behave like a waiter, the boss ends up treating you like a waiter. That’s exactly what happened to Giorgia Meloni. When she tried to distance herself slightly from Donald Trump, he reminded her who the boss is,” Scotto said during the debate. He also strongly backed the idea of severing trade agreements with Israel.
“economic sanctions tend to backfire,” Borghi replied. “The problem is that Italy runs a trade surplus with Israel, which means we would effectively end up sanctioning ourselves,” said the Lega senator, who advocates strong ties with the United States and supports Italy’s withdrawal from the European Union.
The Ring is hosted by Vincenzo Genovese, and produced by Luis Albertos Altarejos and Amaia Echevarria. TV director and Editor: Vassilis Glynos.
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