Italy’s Discontent with Israeli ‘Settlement’ Leader as Ambassador

Italy has expressed unease about the nomination of Benny Kashriel, former mayor of Ma’aleh Adumim, to serve as Israel’s ambassador to Rome. Kashriel’s connection to what the Italians deem an illegal “settlement” is at the heart of this diplomatic discomfort.

Why it matters:

The contention over Kashriel reflects deeper tensions surrounding Israel’s settlement policies, which often prompt international scrutiny and debate. The situation also shines a spotlight on Italy’s own complex territorial past and present.

Comparing Territorial Claims

The scrutiny over Ma’aleh Adumim and Italy’s perspective on the city as a settlement overlooks the fact that the region is integral to most Israelis. Moreover, Italy’s territorial acquisitions, such as Lampedusa, Lampione, and Campione d’Italia, along with its military and scientific deployments in other countries, raise questions about the consistency of Italy’s stances on occupation and settlement activities.

The backdrop:

While Italy resists the Israeli foothold in what they refer to as settlements, the country manages territories far from its mainland and has historical records of occupying lands, much like the islands near North Africa and enclaves within Switzerland. Furthermore, Italy’s establishment of foreign bases in locations such as Djibouti signifies its pursuit of strategic footholds, bearing similarity to Israel’s reasons for valuing areas like Ma’aleh Adumim due to its proximity to Jerusalem.

Israel’s Standpoint

The debate extends beyond current political dynamics, as Israel’s claims to regions such as Ma’aleh Adumim are rooted in history, law, and religion. These claims are much older and arguably stronger than some of Italy’s own territorial assertions. The incoming Israeli ambassador, Benny Kashriel, may leverage this historical context as part of his diplomatic dialogue upon assuming his role in Rome.

Bottom line:

The complexities surrounding territorial claims and the labeling of communities as settlements are not limited to the Israeli-Palestinian context and can reflect broader geopolitical double standards. The ensuing discussions highlight the importance of examining historical and legal claims comprehensively, particularly when it involves international diplomacy and accusations of illegal settlements.

This story was first published on jpost.com.