The Prime Ministry released a statement confirming that the two leaders had a phone discussion today. “Prime Minister Meloni reiterated that it was unacceptable for UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon) to be attacked by Israeli armed forces and reminded that the mission was acting in accordance with the mandate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in order to contribute to regional stability. He emphasized the absolute necessity of guaranteeing the security of UNIFIL personnel at all times.”
The statement also noted that Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment to contribute to the stabilization of the Israel-Lebanon border and to guarantee the return of displaced people to their homes through the full implementation of UNSC resolution 1701.
The Prime Ministry statement said that during the meeting, Meloni underlined the urgency of working to reduce tensions on a regional basis and reiterated that Italy, as the G7 Term President, was ready to work in this direction.
After Israel targeted some UNIFIL bases and observation towers this week, Italy, which has around 1,000 soldiers in the mission, reacted. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that he summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome to the ministry on the same day and warned him sternly about what was happening in southern Lebanon.
