Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revealed that she, along with two senior ministers in her government, has been reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged complicity in genocide in connection with Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The move marks a rare escalation: it is one of the first times high-level Italian officials are directly implicated in complaints tied to the Gaza war.
Who Has Been Named in the Complaint?
According to Meloni, the complaint filed with the ICC accuses:
- Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister) herself,
- Guido Crosetto, the Defence Minister,
- Antonio Tajani, the Foreign Minister,
and possibly Roberto Cingolani, head of the Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo.
Meloni stated she “believes” Cingolani will also be formally implicated.
Basis of the Accusation
The complaint, reportedly lodged in early October and signed by some 50 individuals including legal scholars and public figures, centers on Italy’s support to Israel amid the Gaza conflict. The authors argue that by providing lethal arms and political backing, the Italian government has become complicit in what they characterize as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity targeting the Palestinian people.
It cites that Italy has been one of three countries exporting “major conventional arms” to Israel between 2020 and 2024, including light helicopters and naval systems.
Meloni’s Response and Defense
In her televised remarks to state broadcaster RAI, Meloni called the accusation “unprecedented” and said she was “amazed” by it. She emphasized that, since October 7, 2023, Italy has not authorized any new arms shipments to Israel.
Meloni also stated she was unaware of who lodged the complaint.
Regarding arms transfers under her administration, Defence Minister Crosetto has defended them as part of contracts signed before the Gaza war began, and insisted Rome sought assurances that Italian weapons would not be used against civilians.
Legal and Political Implications
If the ICC accepts the complaint, it could initiate a preliminary examination, which may later develop into a full investigation. Italian authorities and the court have not formally confirmed whether the process has advanced.
Politically, Meloni’s government—long seen as supportive of Israel—now faces a mounting backlash. In recent weeks, mass protests across Italian cities have targeted both Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Italian leadership itself.
The case adds a new dimension to mounting legal challenges over the Gaza war. The ICC has already issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant on war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Gaza.
What Comes Next?
At present, the ICC has not publicly confirmed receipt of the complaint or the opening of an investigation. Meloni’s government continues to refute the allegations, underscoring its claim that no new arms exports were authorized after October 2023. Observers will closely watch whether the court proceeds, and how Rome responds—for its executive branch, international reputation, and role in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
From: reuters