Middle East conflict: Italy PM Meloni suspends defence cooperation deal with Israel amid attacks on Lebanon

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday (local time) announced the decision to suspend the automatic renewal of a defence pact with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Reuters reported.

Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Tel Aviv's strongest and closest allies in Europe; however, in recent weeks, Rome has criticised the attacks on Lebanon. Among those affected are members of the Italian troops who were serving there as per a United Nations (UN) mandate.

"In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," Meloni was quoted as saying in Verona, northern Italy, by Italian news agencies.

This is a developing story. More details awaited.