Mario Draghi on Israel

Mario Draghi, as Prime Minister of Italy, maintained a pragmatic and cooperative stance toward Israel, primarily viewing the relationship through the lens of shared strategic interests. His official visit in June 2022, undertaken alongside the European Commission President, heavily emphasized energy cooperation, specifically leveraging East Mediterranean gas resources to reduce European dependence on Russian fossil fuels. He met with key Israeli leaders, including the President and Prime Minister, to discuss enhancing bilateral ties, energy supplies, and the ecological transition, framing these collaborations as vital for regional stability and shared goals.

Beyond energy, Draghi highlighted the deep cultural and historical bonds between Italy and Israel, explicitly praising the Italian Jewish community in Israel as a symbol of this connection. He also underscored the Italian government's commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting dialogue between faiths. While his engagement was characterized by concrete policy discussions, such as energy infrastructure, his approach reflected an effort to strengthen Italy's role as a constructive partner in the Mediterranean region, consistent with his broader foreign policy agenda.