False accusations, silence and left-wing protests. From universities to European political parties, the defence of Israel clashes with those who wish to boycott it

At the Pro Pal Festival, MP Arturo Scotto defended the party line but came under fire over the ‘pro-Zionist’ Democrats, described as a ‘disaster’ for electoral support. Not even his vote against the motion was enough to quell the protests. 

“Criticism of Netanyahu and the fight against antisemitism are two different things,” says the reformist MP following the party’s decision to vote against the bill. He quotes Rabin: the two issues must not be conflated. The crux of the matter remains the definition of the IHRA

The secretary responds to the Prime Minister: “She has no sense of statehood.” She is closing ranks to block the Stabilicum, but meanwhile, within the Democratic Party, opinions on the centre-right’s proposal are divided between reformists in favour and those against. And there are those suggesting abstention. Appeals from the Jewish community

The IHRA definition, which exposes the hallmarks of anti-Semitic hatred. The change of heart by Schlein, Conte and Fratoianni, who had previously aligned themselves with that stance. The pretext of freedom to criticise Israel and the flirtations with the crowd chanting ‘Palestine from the river to the sea’ 

Even the rally organised to oppose the bill is split, with chants and flags in support of terrorism. Ascari (M5S): “I didn’t see them.” Meloni and the government’s embarrassment over the settlers

On 9 September, the bill will be put to a vote in committee at the Chamber of Deputies. Outside the Chamber, various organisations – including USB, ANPI and Amnesty – will gather for a sit-in to protest against the introduction of the legislation. The Democratic Party senator who voted in favour said: “The protests do not frighten us; we regret them.”