Former Italian Ambassador Delivers Explosive Critique of Israeli Policy: “A Mafia, Terrorist Policy”
Circus Maximus, Rome – In a stunning address at the ongoing Daily Fact Festival, former Italian Ambassador Elena Basile unleashed a blistering condemnation of current Israeli policy, characterizing it as a “mafia, terrorist policy” and drawing stark contrasts with the strategies of Israel’s founding leaders. The remarks, delivered September 13th, have immediately ignited debate and are rapidly circulating online, making this a crucial breaking news development for those following the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This article is SEO optimized for quick indexing on Google News.
A Dramatic Shift in Discourse
Basile, a veteran of Italian diplomacy, didn’t mince words. She argued that the actions of today’s Israeli government represent a significant departure from the pragmatic approach of figures like David Ben-Gurion, who, she stated, prioritized the safety of Israeli citizens and considered the geopolitical realities of the region. “Ben Gurion made lightning interventions because he took into account the geographical situation and the forces of Israel, he put the hostages in the first place,” Basile asserted. She painted a picture of a nation now entangled in seven active military fronts – Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Syria, and Iraq – a situation she believes is actively undermining its alliances, even jeopardizing the Abraham Accords with Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf monarchies.
Israel’s Growing Isolation on the World Stage
The former ambassador highlighted Israel’s increasing isolation within international bodies, pointing to the fact that two-thirds of the United Nations consistently vote against Israeli policies. She specifically credited civil society organizations and the work of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for raising awareness and galvanizing opposition. However, Basile also noted a concerning lack of outright condemnation from major global powers like Russia and China, while acknowledging they aren’t as actively complicit as Western nations.
Evergreen Context: The UN’s consistent criticism of Israel stems from concerns over its occupation of Palestinian territories, settlement construction, and treatment of Palestinians. The role of Special Rapporteurs, like Albanese, is crucial in documenting human rights violations and providing independent assessments, often challenging official narratives.
Challenging the Narrative on October 7th and Hamas
Basile forcefully rejected the framing of the October 7th attacks as a historical rupture, insisting they are a continuation of decades of “illegal occupation” of Gaza and the West Bank dating back to 1967, extending far beyond the tenure of current Prime Minister Netanyahu. She posed a challenging question: “What can be done against a country that has lived in illegality and total impunity?”
In a move that surprised many in the audience, Basile also offered a nuanced perspective on Hamas. While disavowing their policies, she argued that the “astral condemnation” of the group serves as a convenient justification for the Israeli government. “It is a lie to believe that Israel’s policy depends on Hamas,” she stated, pointing out that similar abuses occur in the West Bank, where Hamas does not hold power.
The Weight of the Word: Genocide and the Role of Media
Basile’s address took a particularly strong turn when she addressed the use of the term “genocide” in relation to the conflict. She argued that accurately labeling Israel’s actions as genocide is not merely a semantic debate, but a critical step towards triggering political, moral, and legal consequences. She sharply criticized Italian television commentators who deny the term or prohibit comparisons to the Holocaust, lamenting that “a people victim of a genocide has become an executioner.” She called for prominent members of the Jewish community to publicly distance themselves from the current Israeli policies, emphasizing the need to “recover our humanity.”
Mobilization and the Path Forward
While acknowledging the recent UN votes and European discussions regarding the recognition of Palestine, Basile expressed skepticism that these represent genuine progress, suggesting they may be attempts to appease civil society dissent without enacting meaningful change. She passionately advocated for popular mobilization within European states and the United States, calling for an end to political, military, and economic cooperation with Israel. Basile highlighted initiatives like the Global Sumud Flotilla and UN Resolution 377 (“Uniting for Peace”) as tools for “moral indignation and resistance,” while also acknowledging the need for a supportive political framework to translate these efforts into tangible results. She also pointed to the work of Francesca Albanese in identifying companies profiting from the conflict.
Basile concluded by linking the situation in Gaza to broader issues of Western and American imperialism, drawing parallels to the conflict in Ukraine and the expansionist policies of NATO. “Gaza is an incineration,” she declared, “From there the true face of American and Israeli imperialism emerges.”
The former ambassador’s powerful speech serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and moral challenges inherent in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her call for critical examination of Western complicity and a renewed focus on grassroots mobilization offers a provocative, and potentially transformative, path forward. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the Middle East.
