Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced, citing the current situation. The decision marks a significant shift after years of consistent Italian support for Israel.

The move follows rising tensions between the two countries, including an incident in southern Lebanon in which Italian peacekeeping troops were reportedly fired upon with warning shots by Israeli soldiers. Italy's Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome for a reprimand.

The defense agreement, which provides a framework for military equipment exchanges and technological research cooperation, has faced criticism from opposition parties. Lawmakers argued that renewing the pact amid strained diplomatic relations would damage Italy's reputation and called on the government to clarify and halt the renewal process.