Italy’s opposition leader, whose father is Jewish, backs PM in split with Trump over Israel and pope

Italy’s political landscape witnessed an unexpected realignment as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni distanced herself from former ally Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the escalating tensions involving Iran and the role of the Catholic Church. Meloni publicly defended Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace and condemnation of war, a stance that drew sharp criticism from Trump, who accused the Pope of catering to the radical left and criticized Meloni for not supporting a US-Israel military approach toward Iran. In a significant policy shift, Meloni announced the suspension of Italy’s defense agreement with Israel, signaling a departure from previous close ties with Netanyahu’s government. This development highlights a rare moment of cross-party consensus within Italy, as opposition leader Elly Schlein, head of the Democratic Party and daughter of an American Jewish father, expressed support for Meloni’s position. Schlein’s backing underscores the broader Italian public’s sensitivity to the Pope’s message, given that approximately 75 percent of Italians identify as Catholic. The defense agreement suspension reflects Italy’s reluctance to become entangled in a potential conflict with Iran, emphasizing a preference for diplomatic solutions over military engagement. The rift between Meloni and Trump marks a significant fracture in international conservative alliances, with Trump openly expressing dissatisfaction over Italy’s refusal to join the US-led stance against Iran. Meloni’s government appears to be recalibrating its foreign policy priorities, balancing traditional alliances with a nuanced approach to Middle Eastern conflicts and respect for religious authority. Schlein’s involvement adds a complex layer to the discourse, intertwining issues of identity, antisemitism, and Italy’s historical connections to Israel. Overall, the episode illustrates shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, where domestic political considerations, religious influence, and international pressures converge. Italy’s decision to pause its defense cooperation with Israel amid calls for peace from the Vatican may signal a broader reevaluation of Western strategies in the Middle East, with potential implications for transatlantic relations and regional stability.