On the Iran War:
"A military operation that Italy did not support and in which it did not take part." 
Meloni explicitly distanced Italy from the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, describing it as a unilateral operation Rome neither endorsed nor participated in.
On Lebanon and Regional Escalation:
"We have supported the Lebanese government, its territorial sovereignty... For this reason, we have repeatedly asked Israel to halt the military escalation."
The Prime Minister emphasized Italy's support for Lebanese territorial integrity and called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations.
On Christian Communities in the Holy Land:
"We have defended the right of Christian communities in the Holy Land to celebrate the Easter rites with full access to the Holy Sepulchre, a sacred place of our civilization and a pillar of our identity."
Meloni framed access to Christian holy sites as both a civilizational and national identity issue for Italy.

Political Fallout
The address has triggered sharp criticism from Italy's pro-Israel right wing, who view Meloni's position as:
• Lacking backbone regarding Israel's right to self-defense
• Excessive accommodation of opposition forces
• Weak leadership amid regional crisis
Critics have described the government as "a raft tossed helplessly in a storm" — unable to project decisive leadership while navigating between competing domestic and international pressures.

Broader Context
Meloni's statements came amid rapidly escalating tensions in the region. On April 9, 2026, she also condemned Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, stating Israel had "disrespected" the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire . Her government summoned Israeli envoys following incidents involving UN peacekeepers.
The Prime Minister's pivot reflects growing European unease with the conflict's trajectory and its economic fallout — including surging energy prices that have pushed Italian fuel costs to €2.50 per liter for diesel .
