Iran’s attack on Israel: President Meloni calls urgent meeting at Palazzo Chigi

Given the worsening of the crisis in the Middle East, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, called an urgent meeting at Palazzo Chigi earlier this evening to discuss the situation and assess the necessary measures.

The meeting was attended by: the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, who joined remotely; the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto; Undersecretary of State Alfredo Mantovano, who is delegated authority for the security services; the heads of the secret services; the diplomatic advisor to the President of the Council of Ministers; and, the Italian Ambassador to Israel, Luca Ferrari, who also joined remotely.

Condemning Iran’s attack on Israel, the Italian Government expresses deep concern over the ongoing developments and appeals to the responsibility of all regional players, calling for any further escalation to be avoided.

Italy will keep working towards a diplomatic solution, also as current G7 President, to stabilise the Israel-Lebanon border through full application of Resolution 1701. In this context, Italy invites the United Nations Security Council to consider strengthening the UNIFIL mission’s mandate in order to ensure security along the border between Israel and Lebanon, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.

It is equally urgent to reach an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, in line with Resolution 2735.

The Italian Government’s immediate priority is to ensure the safety of Italian citizens and the military personnel serving in the UNIFIL contingent.

The Government task force has been put on permanent alert to constantly monitor developments in the situation and to promptly take any necessary action.