ITALY'S POSITION AGAINST ISRAEL TODAY Part 2

 Nadene Goldfoot                                            

Italians roads and ports blocked, Dockworkers say they seek to prevent arms transfers to Jewish state, as many major cities see demonstrations in support of ‘a population that is being exterminated’

While the Italian government has historically been a strong supporter of Israel since 1948, its public stance and domestic politics have shifted considerably due to Israel's military actions in Gaza. These tensions have been highlighted by widespread pro-Palestinian protests and clashes with police, particularly during recent sporting events.                  

Widespread demonstrations: Italy has experienced large-scale, often violent, pro-Palestinian protests. In September 2025, a nationwide strike saw over one hundred thousand protesters take to the streets in more than 80 cities, with clashes with police reported in Milan.

Boycott campaigns: Activists, including the Committee for Palestine-Udine, have urged boycotts of Israeli teams in international sporting competitions. Pro-Palestinian protesters in Italy have also been involved in organizing port blockades to prevent the shipment of arms and supplies to Israel.                                   

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  Mateo Retegui of Italy shoots and scores a penalty kick during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Group I match between Italy and Israel in Udine, Italy, Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Diego Petrussi/Xinhua)
• High-risk soccer match: In October 2025, a World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel in Udine was declared a high-risk event, leading to a massive security deployment with over 1,000 police and army personnel. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched and clashed with police, who used water cannons and tear gas. 
  
                          PM Giorgia Meloni
• Criticism from Italian leaders: Since 2024, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other officials have grown more critical of Israel's military campaign. This marks a shift from Meloni's previous pro-Israel position and is a response to increasing pressure over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
  
•       Support for EU sanctions: In September 2025, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani voiced support for EU trade sanctions against Israel, though with a focus on not harming the civilian population. This move came after the EU proposed suspending parts of its free trade agreement with Israel.                            
  
  
  
• Condemnation of specific actions: In May 2024, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto sharply condemned Israel's conduct after a deadly airstrike in Rafah, stating that the rights of innocent civilians were not being respected. In October 2024, Prime Minister Meloni denounced Israeli attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as "unacceptable". 
• Resource:
• https://www.timesofisrael.com/italian-roads-ports-blocked-as-anti-israel-protesters-try-to-bring-country-to-standstill/