From Gaza to Lebanon: A Comprehensive Overview of Italy’s Arms Support to Israel

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Escalation of Conflict

On October 7, 2023, a dramatic escalation occurred in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, marked by a surprise attack from the Palestinian militant group, which was met with a significant military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Political Debate in Italy

This situation has sparked intense political debate in Italy, particularly concerning arms supplies directed to Israel.
Initially, members of the Meloni government announced the suspension of all arms exports to the Middle Eastern nation.
However, an analysis of official data provided by ISTAT revealed that the suspension only applied to new licenses; deliveries linked to already approved licenses continued without interruption.

Export Regulations

The regulation of Italian arms exports is governed by Law 185 of 1990, which sets out the requirements and conditions for issuing licenses.
These licenses, granted by the Unit for Authorization of Armament Materials (UAMA), have a minimum duration of eighteen months and can be extended.
It is crucial to note that the law states exports cannot occur to countries engaged in non-defensive armed conflicts or that use force disproportionately, even under legitimate defense claims.

Human Rights Concerns

The restrictions are based on international law principles referencing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which protects the right to self-defense.
However, exceptions allow the government to continue exports in the name of Italy’s “international obligations,” a vague clause that can be interpreted permissively, particularly towards allies like Israel.

Export Data and Implications

Following the conflict on October 7, the Italian government claimed that existing licenses did not pertain to materials intended for use against civilians, limiting support to technical assistance and training.
However, ISTAT data paints a different picture: between October and December 2023, Italy exported arms and ammunition to Israel worth €2.1 million, with €1.1 million attributed to military hardware.

Comparison with Other Nations

The comparison with exports to Russia, which have nearly halted due to international sanctions, highlights Italy’s divergent approach towards Israel amidst ongoing armed conflict.

Companies Involved

The 2023 Annual Report on Arms Exports presented to the Senate provides details on licenses granted to Italian companies but does not explicitly indicate recipient countries.
However, by cross-referencing this data with ISTAT information and the military systems used by Israel, several Italian companies have been identified as continuing to export military components to Israel post-October 7.

Legal and Ethical Questions

Italian arms exports to Israel raise both legal and moral questions.
Law 185/1990 prohibits the sale of arms to countries committing serious human rights violations, but only if these violations are certified by international bodies like the UN or the EU.
In the absence of such certifications, the law permits continuing exports even to nations involved in controversial conflicts.

Impact and Responsibilities

Italy faces a delicate balance between economic interests in arms manufacturing and adherence to international human rights obligations.
The decision to maintain arms exports to Israel during the escalating conflict raises moral and legal concerns.
Although Italy is not the sole country involved in this trade, its provision of weapon systems potentially impacting civilian lives in Gaza cannot be overlooked.

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