People often say — and with some truth — that Italians and Israelis are very much alike. Both nations share a similar temperament, lifestyle, zest for life and warm Mediterranean character. Yet something frightening is unfolding in Italy. A deep rift has opened between Italian society and Israel, and with it, Israel’s image in the country has taken a harsh blow.
What has happened in recent months around the war in Gaza borders on the surreal. It is hard to find another Western nation, perhaps only Spain, where hostility toward Israel has become so open. Criticism has long since morphed into blind hatred, showing up in countless incidents that dominate headlines almost daily.
Pro-Palestinian protesters in Rome
(Video: Tom Hefer)
Some argue that this wave comes only from left-wing pro-Palestinian circles and Muslim communities, and that not all Italians feel this way. That is partly true. In many countries, surveys show that criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza has soared to unprecedented levels, but not “everyone” is against us. Many Italians remain silent, indifferent, leaving the streets and the public arena to voices of incitement and mass protest against Israel.
And yet, what is happening in Italy is impossible to dismiss. The past few months have seen numerous anti-Israel incidents, many crossing the line into outright antisemitism. Italian Jews have spoken openly in the media and online about fears for their safety, describing a sense of persecution unknown for decades — simply because of their faith and identity.
University campuses have become hotbeds of incitement, targeting not only Israel but also Jewish academics and even Italian professors who refuse to toe the anti-Israel line. Just last week in Pisa, a non-Jewish, non-Israeli professor was punched in the face in class after opposing a boycott of Israeli academia and expressing some understanding of Israel’s position. That was enough to brand him a “Zionist.”
In Turin, a guest lecturer from Israel was immediately dismissed after saying in class that in his view “the IDF is the most moral army in the world.” Jewish journalists in Italy have been harassed and cursed, with some choosing to avoid public lectures altogether.
The tension peaked just two days ago when Italy’s largest trade union shut down the country with a nationwide strike in solidarity with the Palestinians. Streets filled with demonstrators, ports were closed to block ships bound for Israel and major highways near Rome, Milan, Naples and Bologna were paralyzed. In Milan, pro-Palestinian demonstrators stormed the central train station, clashing with police, destroying property and leaving dozens of officers injured. Arrests were few.
Pro-Palestinian protesters in Milan
These shocking scenes are fed by what has become almost obsessive coverage of the war. Italy’s leading media outlets long ago abandoned any pretense of objectivity, chasing headlines from left-leaning newspapers and websites. The word “Zionism” has become synonymous with racism and monstrosity. Something entirely legitimate — to call oneself a Zionist — is now perceived by many Italians as almost criminal.
Hardly a day goes by without a leading outlet accusing Israel of “massacring children,” with little effort to verify reports from Gaza. Criticism of Israel is legitimate, even necessary. But this is no longer normal coverage. This is an obsession, fueled by inflammatory language that normalizes hate.
Ignorance also plays a role. Even in Italy’s cultural and sports elite, many parrot simplistic “facts” while vilifying Israel. Hundreds of soccer coaches have demanded Israel’s removal from international sports. A famous rock star tried to sound balanced by saying Hamas should also be criticized “even though they raided illegal settlements on Oct. 7.” A well-known comedian suggested that an Israeli defending his country on a panel “should be beaten up.” Another public figure claimed the Oct. 7 massacre was “nonsense” — something that never actually happened.
Now the situation has escalated further. After activists on a Gaza flotilla alleged that Israeli drones attacked them, Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, rushed to declare that an Italian navy ship would escort the flotilla and assist its participants. Is Italy seeking a direct military confrontation with Israel?
The opposition in Rome expressed outrage over the alleged attack, arguing that some boats carried Italian flags and that “an attack on them is an attack on Italy’s national security.”
Anti-Israel protests across Italy
(Video: Reuters)
Where this is heading is unclear. But one thing must be said: Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not joined the growing European wave recognizing a Palestinian state. She insists that Hamas must first disarm and all hostages must be freed. On this, she is aligned with Germany — and of course with former President Trump, with whom she maintains close ties, perhaps the strongest today between a European leader and Washington.
Still, Meloni harshly criticizes Israel’s conduct in Gaza and spares no words against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Meanwhile, her defense minister continues to use the word “massacre” to describe every Israeli strike.
The question is how much longer Meloni can hold out. The pressure on her is immense. Together with Germany, Italy has so far blocked the majority needed for the European Union to impose crippling economic sanctions on Israel. But in the current climate — and with Israel’s leadership doing little to ease tensions — Italy’s support is living on borrowed time.