Wed Oct 08 02:34:58 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Italian PM Meloni Accused of “Complicity in Genocide” Over Arms Sales to Israel**

Rome, Italy – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revealed that she, along with other top government officials, has been named in a complaint filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing them of “complicity in genocide” due to Italy’s continued arms supply to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Meloni confirmed the existence of the complaint, dated October 1, during a television interview, stating that Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and potentially Roberto Cingolani, head of Italian arms company Leonardo, are also named. The complaint, signed by roughly 50 lawyers, law professors, and public figures alleges that by providing arms to Israel, the Italian government is complicit in genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against Palestinians. The group is seeking a formal investigation by the ICC.

Meloni dismissed the accusations but acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating she does not “think there is another case in the world or in history of a complaint of this kind.”

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that Italy was one of a small number of countries to export major conventional weapons to Israel between 2020 and 2024. While the United States and Germany accounted for the vast majority (99%) of these exports, Italy supplied light helicopters and naval guns. Italy is also involved in the manufacture of parts for F-35 fighter jets, raising concerns about their potential use in violations of international humanitarian law.

Defence Minister Crosetto stated that Italy is fulfilling arms contracts signed before October 7, 2023, and that assurances have been sought from Israel regarding the weapons’ use against civilians.

The complaint against Italian leaders comes amidst growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The ICC already has arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. South Africa has also brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the UN Genocide Convention.

The situation is further complicated by the US stance, not being a member of the ICC, and actively pushing back against any charges against Israel.

Protests against Italy’s backing of Israel have grown with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets. Dockworkers even threatened a strike in response to Israeli actions against a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The Italian Navy initially escorted a support fleet of international vessels, but pulled back before Israeli forces intercepted the boats in international waters and detained around 500 activists. Six crew members remain in Israeli detention.

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