Italy’s opposition parties on Wednesday slammed the government for not joining a group of countries imposing restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to the La Repubblica newspaper, Anadolu reports.
Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte called on the government to “show a shred of dignity” and back an opposition bill in parliament to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements.
“Show a shred of dignity and approve our bill in parliament to proceed with sanctions,” Conte said, criticizing Rome’s decision not to join the initiative.
Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein also condemned Italy’s absence, calling it “shameful” and accusing the government of missing another opportunity to defend international law and avoid “double standards.”
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defended the decision, saying Rome wants the measures to be adopted at the European Union level rather than through separate national initiatives.
