Italy suspending renewal of defense agreement with Israel: PM

ROME -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday she was suspending the country's defense agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research, media reports said.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported that Meloni made the remarks to the press while attending an event in Verona. "We have decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel in consideration of the current situation," she said.

The report said Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto had informed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz of Italy's request to suspend the agreement.

Meloni also called on the international community to continue efforts to advance peace talks, stabilize the situation, and ensure the resumption of key supplies, including energy.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the agreement entered into force around 2005, and is renewed every five years. It covers defense cooperation, including the exchange of military equipment and technological research.