Italy: ‘Netanyahu Must Be Stopped to Save Israel’

Italy’s defense minister has launched one of Rome’s strongest rebukes yet of Israel’s Gaza campaign, warning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has “lost its reason and humanity” and should be compelled to change course.

“What is happening is unacceptable,” Guido Crosetto told the Italian daily La Stampa. “We are not facing a military operation with collateral damage, but a pure denial of law and the basic values of our culture.” He said Italy remains committed to humanitarian aid but argued that “beyond condemnation, we must now find a way to force Netanyahu to think clearly.”

Asked about potential international sanctions, Crosetto said Israel’s occupation of Gaza and “serious actions” in Judea and Samaria marked a dangerous escalation.

“It would not be a move against Israel, but a way to save this people from a government that has lost reason and humanity,” he said.

Crosetto emphasized the need to distinguish between governments and nations, drawing a parallel between Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He defended Italy’s decision not to join countries such as France, the UK, and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state, calling such recognition “a political provocation” in the current climate.

Meanwhile, Norway has moved beyond rhetoric: its sovereign wealth fund announced it will divest from companies linked to Israel’s war in Gaza and settlement activity.