Rome is trying to lock in a seat at any post-war Gaza governance and reconstruction table — positioning itself as a European bridge to Israel, key Arab capitals, and Washington.
The latest: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said from Seoul on Jan. 18, 2026 that Italy has been invited to participate in a “Board of Peace / Gaza Peace Council,” and is ready to “do its part” in shaping a peace plan.
Driving the news: Italian and international reporting has linked the initiative to a U.S.-backed plan — with Axios previously reporting (via sources) that Italy and Germany had been invited to join the council.
What they’re saying:
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani framed the invitation as a diplomatic signal and pushed a “realistic, balanced” line: Israel’s security alongside Palestinians’ right to live in peace and dignity — while highlighting Italy’s role as a major European humanitarian contributor to Gaza.
- Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stressed that a political track won’t hold without a credible security plan, including effective international presence and controlled humanitarian corridors — hinting at possible Italian logistical/technical support with a military component, coordinated with partners.
- Industry Minister Adolfo Urso emphasized the economic angle: reconstruction could open space for Italian firms (energy, civil infrastructure, tech and services) alongside the humanitarian and geopolitical rationale.
Between the lines: Meloni is treating the invitation as validation of Italy’s “political weight” and regional credibility — consistent with her government’s push to brand Italy as a pragmatic mediator across the Enlarged Mediterranean.
Worth noting! President Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after an aide for French President Emmanuel Macron said France “does not intend” to accept an invitation to join the “Board of Peace” for Gaza.
What’s next: Watch for clarity on who sits on the council, what mandate it has (governance vs. reconstruction vs. security), and how it would interface with any international stabilization or monitoring mechanism on the ground.
