Italy Joins Trump's Gaza Peace Board, Sparking 'Vassal State' Fury
Members of the Five Star Movement (M5S) foreign affairs committees across both parliamentary chambers fired the opening salvo, stating: "Italy will be the only Western European and G7 nation to participate in Trump's Peace Board, along with countries like Albania, Kosovo, Cyprus, Hungary, and Romania."
The legislators pulled no punches in their condemnation, declaring: "This is yet another act of subservience by (Prime Minister Giorgia) Meloni, degrading Italy to a vassal of the United States and distancing our country from the ranks of Europe's leading countries," according to the ANSA news agency.
The lawmakers branded the move deeply cynical, tying it to mounting tensions across the West Bank — including what they characterized as de facto annexation and the formal recognition of settlements — alongside a fresh wave of Israeli strikes on Gaza that have reportedly claimed lives.
Democratic Party deputy and Chamber Vice President Anna Ascani sharpened the attack on X, writing: "Giorgia Meloni continues to mistake alliance for subordination. Italy cannot and must not participate in Trump's Board of Peace. The Constitution, common sense, and dignity dictate so."
The backlash came on the heels of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's bilateral talks with Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. Speaking to reporters afterward, Tajani defended Rome's position, saying the government deemed it "appropriate" to attend as an observer given that "Article 9 of the Board's Statute conflicts with the Constitution."
He elaborated that Italy intends "to be a protagonist, but as observers, as the European Commission will be," framing the limited role as a principled compromise rather than a retreat.
Tajani further grounded the decision in Italy's humanitarian record, asserting: "We are doing this because we have already given so much for Gaza and will continue to do so. We are among the countries in the world that have given the most."
He also outlined concrete commitments, saying: "We are ready to train the new Gaza and Palestinian police forces, and we are ready to increase our carabinieri (Italian paramilitary police) in Rafah," before underscoring that "We have a direct interest in the stability of the Middle East."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had set the stage Sunday, confirming Italy's observer role in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera. "We were invited as an observer country, and in our view, it is a good solution regarding the problem of the war in the Middle East," she said.
The Board of Peace was formally established when representatives of 19 nations signed its founding charter on Jan. 22 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Created as part of broader efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the body also carries a wider global peacemaking mandate. Washington has confirmed that additional states have since signed on.
The Board's first leaders'-level gathering is set for Feb. 19 in Washington, D.C. Italian media have indicated that Tajani may ultimately represent Rome at the summit, though officials have yet to make a formal announcement.
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