Israel Praises Italy’s ‘Realistic’ Stance on Palestine Recognition
Jerusalem, 25 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- (Adnkronos) – The conflict in Gaza, the Flotilla case, the future of relations with the countries currently recognizing the Palestinian state at the UN. Sharren Haskel, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, speaks to Adnkronos about the delicate diplomatic moment linked to the Middle East crisis, while the United Nations General Assembly is underway in New York. Several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine.
Recognition of Palestine
“There are some important things to note,” according to Haskel: “In the past, more than 130, perhaps almost 150 countries have already recognized Palestine. Has this changed anything in reality? No, it hasn’t changed anything. The reality is this: those countries chose to reward Hamas, a terrorist organization, with a state, immediately after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. This makes a huge difference, not only for Israel, but for the entire world, because terrorist organizations learn from the actions of the international community.”
The judgment on France is harsh. Emmanuel Macron’s country, the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister attacks, “led, celebrated, and pushed this process, in some cases even bribing other countries to obtain this declaration.” “There must be a strong response” on the diplomatic level, Haskel emphasizes: “When the prime minister returns to Israel, he will make his decision based on the suggestions on his desk.”
Italy and Prime Minister Meloni
Italy, under Giorgia Meloni, maintains a cautious stance on recognizing Palestine. Rome currently has no intention of doing so, arguing that the conditions have not yet been met. How do you assess the Italian government’s position and, more generally, Israel’s relations with Italy (which has also criticized recent Israeli military operations, calling them “disproportionate”)? “The Italian prime minister and the current government are much more realistic and have a better understanding of the problems of the Middle East, something Macron is very distant from. In this realistic approach, they understand that this conflict is not territorial, but religious and cultural, and must be resolved in depth. Territory alone will not resolve the conflict: there are conditions that must be met for the two sides to sit together,” Haskel observes.
“The fact,” Israeli politicians emphasize, “is that Macron, by unilaterally pushing for a solution without even talking to the other side, favored Hamas at a very delicate moment, when Israel and Hamas were trying to negotiate a ceasefire. Hamas understood that the longer the war continues, the more it will be rewarded by Macron and his allies. Thus, the possibility of a diplomatic ceasefire was eliminated, and we found ourselves with the only military option.”
Crimes Against Humanity?
“Crimes against humanity were committed by Hamas against Israelis. Israel is respecting all its obligations under international law, humanitarian law, the rules of war, and the Geneva Conventions. There are many lies being spread,” the deputy foreign minister responded. “For example, an Italian newspaper published a front-page story about a child being treated in Italy for a genetic disease, making it appear that his condition was due to hunger or Israel. They knew this, but they still lied to the Italian public. This is the kind of propaganda Hamas spreads,” Haskell says.
“As Trump himself said, you’re either on Israel’s side or on Hamas’s. There’s no middle ground. The only way to free the hostages is military pressure. Hamas is abusing Palestinians, holding them at gunpoint, torturing them, and carrying out executions. It doesn’t care about the Palestinian people, only its own religious and ideological goals. The stronger the crackdown on Hamas, the faster this war will end.”
The Italian government recently announced a resolution recognizing Palestine, but with two conditions: the release of the hostages and the exclusion of Hamas from future government action. “I understand the position,” says Haskel, “and some may disagree with the proposed solution. But this is not the time to discuss how one views the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are in the midst of one of the toughest wars we have ever experienced, on six different fronts, against Iranian armies and proxies. There will be time to discuss it, but now, as we try to bring our hostages home, everyone knows that with Hamas’s leadership, there is no secure future for either Israelis or Palestinians.”
The Flotilla
Following recent incidents with the flotilla, Prime Minister Meloni proposed that activists delivering humanitarian aid to Cyprus. “We offered many options. We proposed bringing humanitarian aid to Ashkelon, and we would have made sure it arrived. But that’s not what they really want. This flotilla was financed and organized by people affiliated with Hamas,” the deputy minister denounces. “These are people seeking attention. The amount of aid they bring is ten times less than what is already in Gaza, ready to be picked up by UN trucks.”
She adds, “More than 90% of UN supplies never reach their destination, due to logistical incapacity or Hamas’ involvement. When Italy, under Minister Antonio Tajani, collaborated with Israel on the ‘Food for Gaza’ program, all the aid arrived. Cooperation works when you can trust your partner and know that the aid will not be misused. But if it’s just a publicity stunt, I’m sorry, but it won’t work.”
Approximately 1,200 people were killed and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 48 remaining hostages, about 20 are believed to be alive.
