Italy Debates Antisemitism Definition Amidst Pro-Palestinian Protests and Political Division

Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been a strong proponent within the EU against anti-Israel sentiment and efforts to impose sanctions. However, domestic criticism of Meloni's stance on Israel is growing, coinciding with increased hostility towards the country, particularly its government, due to its actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank. A new political crisis has erupted in Italy concerning the upcoming parliamentary vote on adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. This definition, established nearly 30 years ago by Sweden to combat antisemitism and commemorate the Holocaust, has been adopted by numerous Western countries and organizations.

The core of the debate revolves around whether and how to classify certain expressions of anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel as antisemitic. The IHRA definition includes examples such as denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination, denying Israel's right to exist, and applying double standards to Israel. The issue has become highly contentious in Italy, with widespread protests against Israel, fueled by accusations of 'genocide' in Gaza and anger at the Italian government's perceived silence.

The Italian Democratic Party (PD), a major center-left opposition party, has indicated it will likely vote against the bill, having boycotted a preliminary committee vote. Party leaders argue the definition would hinder their ability to criticize Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. A PD official described the definition as "divisive" and urged the ruling right-wing coalition to amend its wording, though this is considered unlikely. Critics fear the law, by labeling certain criticisms of Israel as antisemitic, could suppress free speech and the right to protest, conflate Jewish people with the Israeli state, and harm pro-Palestinian activism.

While the PD has generally avoided officially labeling Israel's actions in Gaza as 'genocide,' unlike other left-wing parties like the Five Star Movement, many within the PD accuse Israel of 'genocide' and war crimes. Some within the party have been accused of contributing to anti-Israel sentiment and increasing antisemitism, causing significant concern among Italian Jews. The term 'Zionism' has become a pejorative in much of the Italian left. Despite this, some Jewish figures within the PD, including Emanuele Fiano, have strongly criticized the party's stance, emphasizing that the fight against antisemitism should not be obstructed by criticism of the Israeli government.

Holocaust survivor and Senator for Life Liliana Segre expressed dismay at the party's division over the crucial issue of combating antisemitism, reiterating that the IHRA definition does not preclude criticism of Israel. The Italian Jewish community, increasingly anxious about rising antisemitism, welcomed Segre's call to adopt the definition, noting it does not prohibit criticism of Israeli governments. Supporters of the bill argue it is essential for ensuring safety, citing a dramatic surge in antisemitic incidents in Italy since October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Italian authorities recorded at least 963 antisemitic incidents in 2025, more than double the number in 2022.