NATO member dumps Trump's closest ally as Xi and Putin strengthen ties

A major geopolitical rift is emerging as Giorgia Meloni suspends Italy’s defence agreement with Israel amid the Lebanon conflict, dealing a blow to Benjamin Netanyahu and drawing sharp reactions from Donald Trump. The move signals growing unease within NATO as Italy criticizes Israeli strikes affecting its troops under a UN mandate. Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid blames Netanyahu’s government for the fallout. The development comes as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping deepen strategic ties, amplifying global power shifts.