Italy Debates IHRA Definition of Antisemitism Amidst Political Divide

Italy is facing a political crisis over the upcoming parliamentary vote on adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has previously been seen as a bulwark against rising anti-Israel sentiment in Europe, but faces domestic criticism for its stance. The debate has intensified as public hostility towards Israel grows, particularly concerning its actions in Gaza, with many in Italy labeling the events a "genocide."

The core of the dispute lies in whether and how certain forms of anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel should be classified as antisemitism, as outlined in the IHRA definition. Examples include denying the Jewish people's right to self-determination or Israel's right to exist, and applying double standards to Israel.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), is largely expected to vote against the bill, having boycotted a preliminary parliamentary commission vote. Party leadership fears the definition will hinder their ability to criticize Israeli government policies and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A PD source described the definition as "partisan" and called for revisions, which are unlikely to be made.

Opponents of the bill express concerns that codifying the IHRA definition into Italian law could restrict freedom of speech and the right to protest Israeli policies. They also worry it could harm pro-Palestinian activism and blur the lines between criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

Within the PD, there is a notable internal division. While the party leadership opposes the bill, some members, like Emanuele Fiano, a prominent Jewish figure within the party, disagree. Fiano stated he would not accept the fight against antisemitism being presented as an obstacle to criticizing Netanyahu's government or Israeli actions.

Holocaust survivor and Senator Liliana Segre has weighed in, expressing surprise at the party's division over the issue. She emphasized that the IHRA definition does not prohibit criticism of Israel and reiterated her own disapproval of the current Israeli government's policies. The Italian Jewish community, increasingly alarmed by rising antisemitism, has welcomed Segre's call to adopt the IHRA definition, stressing that it does not ban criticism of Israeli governments.

Supporters of the bill argue it is crucial for combating a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in Italy, which they attribute to the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. Italian authorities reported at least 963 antisemitic incidents in 2025, more than double the figure from 2022.