Italy will consider implementing sanctions against Israel, not as a move against the Jewish state, "but as a way to save its citizens from a government that has lost its reason and humanity," Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said in an interview with the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa that was published on Monday.
"We must always distinguish governments from states and peoples, as well as from the religions they profess.
"This applies to Netanyahu, and it applies to Putin, whose methods have become dangerously similar," he said, comparing the Gaza war to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"As you know, I think the occupation of Gaza and some serious incidents in the West Bank mark a qualitative leap forward, and decisions must be made that force Netanyahu to think," he added when asked about the possibility of Italian sanctions against the Jewish state.
"What is happening [in Gaza] is unacceptable. We are not facing a military operation with collateral damage, but the pure denial of the law and the founding values of our civilization.
"We must now find a way to force Netanyahu to think clearly," he added.
Italy next to recognize Palestinian state?
When asked if Italy would recognize a Palestinian state, Crosetto said, "No, because that state doesn't exist, and recognizing a nonexistent state risks becoming merely a political provocation in a world dying of provocations,"
He went on to endorse a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "This means, at the same time, eradicating Hamas terrorism.
"It's one thing to liberate Gaza from Hamas, expelling a people from their land, however, is quite another."
Crosetto's previous statements on Israel
Crosetto previously expressed anger over Israel’s strikes in Gaza in an interview with Reuters in April.
Crosetto added that Israel needed to acknowledge its mistakes. “Sometimes you need to have the courage to say ‘sorry,’” he said.
Reuters contributed to this report.