Tensions between Italy and Israel have intensified after a magazine cover sparked controversy online. Days before Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of a defence agreement with Israel, weekly magazine L'Espresso drew sharp reactions from Israeli officials.

Controversial Image Draws Attention

The cover, dated April 10, 2026, shows an armed Israeli settler filming a Palestinian woman during a raid in the occupied West Bank.

Through this image, the magazine highlighted what it described as the growing Zionist idea of “Greater Israel.” It criticised Israel’s actions across multiple regions, including Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Lebanon.

The image itself was originally captured in 2025, but the magazine chose to publish it now amid rising tensions in West Asia.

Strong Caption Adds to Debate

The issue, titled ‘L’Abuso’ (The Abuse), included a powerful caption that criticised Israel’s military actions.

“The annexation of the West Bank, with soldiers complicit with the settlers. Gaza annihilated. The advance into Lebanon. The breached border in Syria. The war against Iran. Ethnic cleansing and massacres. This is how the Zionist right is shaping Greater Israel,” the magazine wrote on its official social media platforms.

The cover also contrasted the expression of the Israeli man with that of a distressed Arab girl, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.

Israel Condemns the Cover

In response, Jonathan Peled strongly criticised the magazine. He accused it of presenting a distorted and biased narrative.

“We strongly condemn the manipulative use of the recent cover of L’Espresso. The image distorts the complex reality with which Israel must coexist, promoting stereotypes and hatred. Responsible journalism must be balanced and fair,” he wrote on X.

He also claimed that the image might have been generated using artificial intelligence. However, this claim is incorrect, as the photograph was taken by Italian photojournalist Pietro Masturzo near Hebron during the October 2025 olive harvest.

Italy Suspends Defence Agreement

Meanwhile, the diplomatic rift deepened further when Italy suspended the automatic renewal of its defence agreement with Israel.

Meloni’s government, which has been one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, has recently criticised Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. These operations have reportedly resulted in over 1,500 deaths and displaced nearly one million people.

“When there are things we don't agree with, we act accordingly. In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” Meloni said while speaking to reporters at an event in Verona.

Israel Downplays the Move

Israel responded by downplaying the development. Officials said that no active security agreement existed between the two countries.

However, the defence deal was originally signed in 2003 under the government of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. It came into effect in 2006 and was set to renew automatically every five years unless either side withdrew.

Earlier Incident Adds to Tensions

Earlier in April, Italy had already shown concern after an incident involving a United Nations mission in Lebanon. Shots were fired at an Italian convoy, prompting strong criticism from Meloni.

“It is completely unacceptable that personnel operating under the U.N. flag should be put at risk by irresponsible actions such as today's, which are in clear violation of U.N. Resolution 1701,” she said.

Relations Under Strain

Overall, the controversy around the magazine cover and Italy’s recent policy decisions reflect growing tensions between the two countries. What was once a close partnership now appears to be under pressure due to differing views on the ongoing conflict in West Asia.