Meloni’s Strategic Moves: Italy Navigates Between Washington and the Gulf with Sharm el-Sheikh Playbook

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Meloni’s Strategic Moves: Italy Navigates Between Washington and the Gulf with Sharm el-Sheikh Playbook

The Sharm el-Sheikh summit focused on advancing peace between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant moment for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Italy aimed to serve as a bridge between the Western hemisphere and the Arab world, reinforcing its strategic partnerships.

Italy’s Strategic Role

Italy’s participation in the summit showcased its commitment to the Atlantic strategy, while also engaging the Arab nations. Meloni described the day as historic, emphasizing Italy’s dedication to peace efforts. The summit solidified Italy’s position as a stabilizing force with ties to both Washington and the Mediterranean region.

Operational Contributions

Italy proposed a pragmatic model focusing on three key dimensions: stabilization, reconstruction, and development. A crucial element included logistical support and technical assistance from the “Protezione Civile” to aid in Gaza’s reconstruction.

  • Temporary structures for education and health services were prioritized.
  • The “Food for Gaza” program facilitated humanitarian aid delivery in collaboration with the World Food Programme.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted significant achievements, such as treating nearly 200 Palestinian children in Italian hospitals and completing 15 humanitarian missions. Italian universities also welcomed Palestinian students and researchers, reinforcing Italy’s credibility globally.

Military and Diplomatic Efforts

Italy planned to deploy around 250 Carabinieri to Gaza as part of the International Stabilisation Force, focusing on training future Palestinian police in counterterrorism and public order. Additionally, Italy’s Army engineering corps provided technical expertise.

Italy also played a role in the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Rafah, aimed at securing peace and stability in the region by reopening crucial borders for goods and people.

Political and Diplomatic Maneuvering

The summit served as a platform for Meloni to strengthen ties between Italy and the United States, highlighting the enduring transatlantic bond. U.S. President Donald Trump sent a supportive message on Columbus Day, underscoring this relationship.

Concurrently, Meloni cultivated dialogues with key Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. On October 14, King Abdullah II of Jordan visited Rome, ahead of a joint hosting of the Aqaba Process meeting on October 15, focusing on counterterrorism in West Africa.

Italy in the Aqaba Process

Italy positioned itself as a mediator between Washington and the Gulf, aligned with the “Trump Plan” for peace. Tajani asserted Italy’s readiness to support Palestine’s statehood, conditional on excluding Hamas from Gaza’s future government.

Italian officers resumed training missions in Rafah and Jericho, showing Italy’s significant involvement in long-standing cooperative efforts with the Palestinian police.

Looking Ahead

The immediate goal for Italy is to contribute to the governance of Gaza, ensuring secure humanitarian corridors. Future discussions between Meloni, Tajani, and King Abdullah II in Rome aim to outline the post-Sharm phase roadmap.

Italy’s balanced approach in humanitarian and security domains cements its role as a stabilizing force in Meloni’s strategic navigation between the West and the Gulf, according to the Sharm el-Sheikh Playbook.