Israel Italy Gas deal: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a smart negotiator in geopolitics. And, he has proven it once again.
Israel and Italy Gas deal
Netanyahu is currently on a three-day visit to Italy. He has expressed his desire to increase economic cooperation between Israel and Italy. While he wants to supply Italy with natural gas, he has also put forth certain conditions.
Italy is seeking to replace its energy imports from Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In June of last year, Israel and Egypt signed a deal with the European Union to increase gas exports to Europe, indicating a potential supply of natural gas to Italy.
However, Netanyahu has also expressed his desire for Italy to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and has asked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to take action on this issue.
During the six-day war in 1967, Israel occupied Jerusalem and in 1980, Israel passed a law declaring Jerusalem the united capital. Despite Israel’s claims, most countries do not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and its status remains disputed.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of international law as Palestine considers Jerusalem as its future capital. Nevertheless, in 2017, the US recognized Jerusalem as its capital.
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Netanyahu believes that it is time for Rome to follow in the footsteps of the United States and recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In this regard, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has expressed his support for Netanyahu’s call to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel, tweeting his affirmation in the name of peace, history, and truth.
If Italy were to recognize Jerusalem as the capital, it could set off a domino effect, with other countries potentially following suit. Such a recognition would undoubtedly be viewed as a significant victory for Netanyahu.
