Israel has pledged to investigate after two Italian Carabinieri were detained at gunpoint by an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank. Italy summoned Ambassador Jonathan Peled and lodged a formal protest, saying the officers were on official duty near Ramallah. Israel's military says the vehicle was unmarked and on a road closed to civilians, but acknowledged the soldier raised his weapon and has summoned him for debrief. Rome reiterated concerns about rising settler violence, and Israel said it will carry out appropriate investigations.
Italy Summons Israeli Ambassador After Two Carabinieri Detained at Gunpoint in West Bank; Israel Vows Probe
FILE - Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani speaks to the press, May 12, 2025, in London. (Adrian Dennis/Pool Photo via AP, File)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
JERUSALEM — Israel has pledged to investigate an incident in which two Italian security officers were detained at gunpoint by an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, made the commitment on Monday during a meeting in Rome after being summoned by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said it conveyed 'strong disappointment and strong protest.' Peled 'expressed regret for the incident' and said Israel would carry out 'appropriate investigations.'
Italy says the two officers were stopped on Sunday near Ramallah by an Israeli individual 'linked to settler circles.' Italian media, citing an Italian Foreign Ministry official, reported that the officers were made to kneel and answer questions before being released. Reports also said the officers were traveling in an armored car with diplomatic plates and held diplomatic passports; those details have been reported by Italian outlets but have not been independently confirmed by Israeli authorities.
Israel's military said a soldier detained the officers under what it described as proper army procedure for handling suspicious vehicles. The military said the car was not marked as a diplomatic vehicle and that, after the occupants identified themselves, the soldier released them. The army acknowledged the soldier had raised his weapon and said the soldier was summoned for a debrief. Commanders said they would reiterate proper procedure to all West Bank troops.
The incident has sparked diplomatic tension between Rome and Jerusalem. The Italian Foreign Ministry said the officers were engaged in institutional activities in Palestinian territory at the time of the stop and identified them as members of the Carabinieri, Italy's national gendarmerie that sometimes participates in overseas peacekeeping missions.
Italy has previously condemned rising settler violence in the West Bank and reiterated those concerns in its meeting with Peled. Some 500,000 Israelis now live in settlements across the West Bank; the international community largely regards those settlements as illegal under international law and sees them as a significant obstacle to a negotiated peace. The Palestinians seek the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza as part of a future state.
What Happens Next: Israel says it will conduct an internal investigation and has summoned the soldier for questioning. Rome has demanded clarification and stressed the need to protect diplomatic personnel and peacekeeping or institutional activities in the Palestinian territories.
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