Milan, May 21 (LaPresse) – “We have always been friends of Israel and we know how deep the wound of October 7, 2023, still is, and how justified and legitimate the reaction against Hamas was. But we have also always stood by the Palestinian people through economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic support, trying to promote negotiations – even risking the lives of our soldiers to deliver concrete aid and support peace,” said Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in an interview with Corriere della Sera. “We have remained friends of Israel, but we have always been fair – for example, we no longer export military equipment, despite what some claim – and very clear: the position of the Italian government remains ‘two peoples, two states’.” “Netanyahu, in my personal view, is making a mistake: what he is doing now must stop. It is unacceptable based on the values we want to defend,” Crosetto stated. He gave two main reasons: “One is clearly humanitarian – it needs no explanation, it’s visible to all. The other is political. The Israeli government is strengthening Hamas. Every civilian death creates a new enemy; every man who has lost a child, wife, or sibling will be ready to hate and fight Israel for the rest of his life – out of hatred. This is creating a dramatic, endless spiral.” “Anyone who is a friend of Israel, like me, cannot stay silent. On the contrary – must speak out,” Crosetto concluded.