Israel, Italy Strengthen Ties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted his Italian counterpart in central Israel on Sunday. Netanyahu discussed Iran’s nuclear program and the Middle East peace process with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti at a meeting in Caesarea.

“We have just completed very fruitful discussions and I’m very glad to see you Prime Minister Monti in Israel, and I look forward to our bilateral governmental meeting,” said Netanyahu said at a joint press conference.

Many in the international community, including Israel, fear Iran will use its ability to make nuclear fuel to eventually develop atomic weapons. Iran claims it only wants to build reactors for civilian energy and medical research.

Regarding the Middle East peace process, Monti said that Italy supports giving the Palestinians their own sovereign state.

The Trumpet has long forecast that Iran’s bid for hegemony in the Middle East will ultimately be crushed by a European power. The European Union took a step in this direction in January when it imposed tough new economic sanctions against Iran. Rome has come out in support of these sanctions, which will come into effect in the coming months.

Just as significant is a growing relationship between Israel and Europe. With the U.S. losing influence in world affairs, Israel is being forced to look for a new protector. The Trumpet believes this protector will be the same European power that will eventually put a violent halt to Iran’s nuclear program. Continue to watch for Europe to take a stronger stand against Iran, and for Europe to make Israel its dependent.