Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto firmly stated that Italy will not be forced to move by anyone, and will remain in place under the mandate of the United Nations, following Israeli attacks on Italian bases of the Unifil mission in Lebanon. Crosetto emphasized that Italy does not take orders from anyone and demanded respect from Israel as a friendly nation engaged in a peacekeeping mission. He sarcastically questioned whether Italy should respond the next time such an incident occurs, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Crosetto clarified that Italy’s presence in Lebanon is part of the Unifil mission, and any decision regarding troop movements will be made by the United Nations. Italy has been one of the strongest voices in condemning Israel’s actions and demanding formal explanations for its incursion into Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s missile threat. Crosetto also mentioned his long-standing request for a change in rules of engagement for the UN mission, albeit without success thus far.
Regarding a potential military mission in the West Bank, Crosetto stressed the importance of assessing security conditions before sending any personnel. He emphasized that any mission must be agreed upon by all parties involved, with the goal of building a peaceful future for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. Crosetto pointed out the role of police forces in laying the foundation for a future state and noted the honor of the Carabinieri being selected for such a mission.
Crosetto reiterated that Italy’s presence in international missions is aimed at serving the global community and building a future of peace. However, he underlined that this can only be achieved if the safety of Italian personnel is ensured. The minister emphasized the need for respect from all parties involved and stated that Italy will only participate in missions where there are total security guarantees.
Overall, Guido Crosetto’s statements reflect Italy’s commitment to international peacekeeping efforts and its firm stance on the need for respect and security in such missions. Italy’s response to the Israeli attacks on its bases in Lebanon demonstrates its dedication to upholding the mandate of the United Nations and promoting stability in conflict regions. The minister’s cautious approach to potential new missions highlights Italy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its personnel in all peacekeeping endeavors.
