The Hague shakes Rome more than Jerusalem

Winston Churchill famously said “Italians lose wars like football matches and win football matches like wars.” Yet even the British iconic statesman couldn’t foresee Italy embroiling itself in rhetorical combat over other nations’ battles. The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) absurd and wacky arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to have done more to destabilize Rome than Jerusalem, where it’s seen as a pipsqueak nuisance rather than a serious threat. In Italy, however, it has turned into a showcase of political chaos, exposing a fractured chain of command and delivering yet another masterclass in mixed messaging.

The ICC Warrant: A Catalyst for Discord

The ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claims jurisdiction over alleged war crimes tied to the Gaza conflict. Israel, which does not recognize the ICC, has brushed off the warrant. In contrast, the issue has caused a political firestorm in Italy, with government leaders scrambling to define their positions—often at odds with each other.

The Italian Trio: A Symphony of Dissonance

Matteo Salvini, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, adopted a resolutely pro-Israel stance, calling the warrant “a disgrace” and labeling the ICC “irrelevant.” He invited Netanyahu to Italy, declaring, “He is welcome here. Israel has been under attack for decades, and the Hague’s decision is laughable.”

Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister, took a cautious, almost ambiguous approach. She acknowledged Italy’s commitment to international law but refrained from condemning the ICC outright, emphasizing instead the need for dialogue and stability in the Middle East. Her position aimed to balance Italy’s treaty obligations and its historically strong relationship with Israel.

Guido Crosetto, the Defense Minister, was the most controversial. Crosetto’s statement warned that if Netanyahu were to visit Italy, “the ICC’s jurisdiction applies,” implying Italy would enforce the warrant. This stunning declaration not only contradicted Salvini’s warm invitation but also hinted at a willingness to act against an ally—a stance deeply out of step with Rome’s traditional support for Israel. Crosetto’s words sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of undermining Italy’s reputation as a reliable partner.

Crosetto’s Track Record: A Pattern of Hostility Toward Israel

Crosetto’s comments are not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, he accused Israel of targeting an Italian-led UNIFIL base in Lebanon, despite clear evidence that Hezbollah, not Israel, was the aggressor. His insistence that Israel “must respect international forces” ignored Israel’s warnings about UNIFIL’s compromised positions, with surveillance cameras allegedly feeding real-time intelligence to Hezbollah. Crosetto’s rhetoric escalated tensions unnecessarily and highlighted his long-standing skepticism toward Israeli actions.

Adding to this pattern, Crosetto has a history of inflammatory statements, including remarks that invoked anti-Semitic tropes about Jewish influence. His criticism of Israel’s military operations often demonstrates a limited understanding of the regional complexities and security challenges posed by Hezbollah’s entrenchment in southern Lebanon.

The Fallout: Italian Chaos on Display

The ICC warrant has become a diplomatic litmus test, and Italy’s fractured response has revealed a government in disarray. Salvini’s defiance, Meloni’s caution, and Crosetto’s veiled threats demonstrate not just a lack of coordination but also a troubling inconsistency in Italy’s foreign policy. For Netanyahu, Salvini’s warm invitation might offer a degree of solace—but only if it comes with assurances that Crosetto’s loose cannon approach won’t derail the visit.

Coming last and in good order, Antonio Tajani, the Foreign Minister, managed to sprinkle his own brand of ambiguity into the already chaotic stew of Italian politics. While touting the virtues of “serious and thoughtful foreign policy,” he simultaneously claimed unity with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while brushing off Deputy PM Matteo Salvini’s remarks as inconsequential. Tajani’s insistence that the government speaks with one voice—despite the cacophony of divergent opinions—offers little clarity and much confusion. His contribution? Turning a discordant symphony into a full-blown orchestra of contradictions.

In the end, Italy’s handling of this episode underscores a long-standing stereotype: a penchant for chaos and unreliability in international affairs. For Netanyahu, it may serve as a reminder that in Italy, even the warmest invitations come with strings attached—and the occasional booby trap.