“Italy asks the Iranian government and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to rein in the use of violence. It calls on everyone—absolutely everyone—to stop the spiral of war. At this moment, one more missile launched from either side could push this war completely out of control. We are working diligently to prevent the entire region from descending into the abyss of a widespread war, a catastrophe that no one would be able to manage, leading to death and devastation for years. The outlook for the region remains that of a two-state solution, with Israel able to coexist safely alongside a Palestinian state, and with Lebanon remaining a stable country and an example of coexistence among various communities and religions.” This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
“We knew that an Iranian reaction was possible, and now we fear an Israeli counter-reaction,” he added. “As a government, we have been focused in recent hours on protecting Italian citizens who are still stranded in Lebanon, even organizing charter flights to bring them back. But starting today, the situation could become much, much more dangerous. The war could quickly expand. We continue to monitor the crisis points we were working on in Gaza and Lebanon.”
In Lebanon, there is the Italian contingent: what is the risk?
“Our soldiers are protected inside the barracks, in UN bunkers,” Tajani emphasized. “I have personally spoken with the Israeli Foreign Minister and received assurances that the sites where they are located will not be put at risk. We have consulted with President Meloni and with my colleague Crosetto. Together with the UN, we will need to decide how to proceed with the mission. Is a withdrawal of the peacekeeping contingent possible? The UN and the Italian Defense are aligned on the plans for all necessary options. Whatever needs to be done will be done,” he concluded.
