There is something that doesn’t quite add up when a regime like Iran takes the time to praise Italy, and it’s not just a symbolic detail. After the decision not to automatically renew the defense memorandum with Israel, Tehran openly expressed its appreciation . Beyond diplomatic language, this is a political fact that is hard to ignore. In foreign policy, nobody applauds by accident, especially not an actor like Iran.

This Is Not a Technical Detail

There is always a tendency, especially in Europe, to reduce decisions like this to technical matters. An agreement expires, a renewal is delayed, nothing definitive. But in reality, this memorandum, in place since 2005, covers military cooperation, technological exchange, and industrial relations between Italy and Israel . It has been renewed for years almost automatically because it was part of a broader political framework, that of Western alliances.

Interrupting or even just pausing this kind of mechanism is not neutral. It inevitably sends a signal, whether we want it or not.

It’s Not About What We Mean, But What Others See

In Italy, this choice is often presented as a balanced move, a way to take some distance without breaking ties. But outside Europe, things are read in a much simpler way. A Western country is stepping back from a strategic relationship with Israel at a very sensitive moment. That’s it.

The fact that Iran interpreted this as a positive step should at least raise a doubt: maybe the message did not reach the audience we had in mind, or not in the way we expected.

Between Legitimate Criticism and Strategic Confusion

Criticizing Israel is legitimate, and it is part of what makes it a democracy. But this is not about public debate or political opinion. This is about international positioning, which should follow different and more stable logic.

The real risk is mixing these two levels, letting internal dynamics — media pressure, polarization, public opinion — influence decisions that have a direct impact on external relations.

An Imperfect but Necessary Ally

Israel is not a perfect ally, and it never has been. Still, it remains one of the few countries in the region with which Europe shares concrete and long-term interests. Security, technology, intelligence cooperation — these are not minor aspects.

Treating Israel as just another partner, or as something that can be adjusted depending on the political moment, is a simplification that may have consequences in the long run.

A Decision That Looks Inward

The impression is that this choice is driven more by internal dynamics than by a clear foreign policy strategy. In a polarized environment, it is understandable to try to send signals to public opinion or to reduce political pressure on a sensitive issue.

But foreign policy cannot be shaped only by the moment. While we try to manage the internal debate, others are watching, interpreting, and adjusting their actions accordingly.

If You Don’t Choose, Someone Else Will

In the end, the idea of staying in the middle, avoiding clear positions, only works for a limited time. In international politics, choices always emerge, even when we try to delay them.

And if we don’t define our position clearly, others will do it for us. The risk is not only weakening a strategic relationship, but also letting others — allies or adversaries — define where we stand.

With the paradox of being judged more by the applause of those who are not on our side than by the trust of those who have always been.