Minister Tajani's telephone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar

The Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, had an initial telephone contact with the new Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar.

Minister Tajani first of all reiterated the requests for ensure the safety of the military personnel involved in the UN mission in Lebanon e the unacceptability of recent attacks against its personnel and infrastructure, including the recent episode where an unexploded artillery shell hit the Italian UNIFIL base. Minister Saar guaranteed an immediate investigation into the incident. “On Lebanon, I also expressed to Saar my strong hope for the achievement of a ceasefire, underlining the role that the UNIFIL mission can play in fully implementing resolution 1701,” the owner of the Farnesina.

Tajani then expressed the most firm condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism. “We are all still shocked by the images of the unacceptable violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam. I assured Minister Saar of the Italian Government’s full commitment to fighting against all forms of hatred and anti-Semitism,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

The meeting then focused on the security situation in the Middle East. Vice President Tajani thus reiterated "Italy's firm support for Israel and its population following the barbaric attack of 7 October 2023 by Hamas and the continuous rocket launches by Hezbollah". The two Ministers then discussed the risks of further escalation of violence in the region, particularly in the event of an escalation of the confrontation between Israel and Iran.

On the prospects for peace, Tajani expressed his hope that a agreement for the cessation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, in light of the disappearance of Hamas leader Sinwar.