Overview

• Matteo Salvini received the Italia-Israele 2025 prize in the Camera dei Deputati’s Sala del Cenacolo from a coalition of pro-Israel groups, with Ambassador Jonathan Peled lauding his ‘courageous’ positions
• Parliamentary opposition MPs from PD, M5S and Avs labeled the ceremony ‘oscene’ and urged the government to halt military and political cooperation with Israel
• Reports of Israeli tanks firing on a displaced-persons camp in western Gaza the same day strengthened criticism of Italy’s perceived double standard on the conflict
• Lega leader Riccardo Molinari defended the award as consistent with the party’s longstanding support for Israel and rejection of antisemitism
• Tensions persist within the governing coalition after Italy co-signed a 28-nation appeal condemning civilian casualties, reflecting a split between solidarity with Israel and humanitarian calls for Gaza