The Democratic Party of Italy (PD) did not participate in a parliamentary committee vote on Wednesday regarding a controversial anti-antisemitism bill. This action reflects deep divisions within the left wing of Italy regarding a law that is seen as a tool to limit criticism of Israel.
Concerns of the Democratic Party of Italy
A source from the Democratic Party of Italy stated that the party considers the definition mentioned in the bill to be "divisive" and has asked the right-wing coalition to change this definition. However, it seems that this request will go unanswered.
This bill codifies the definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which identifies some criticisms of Israel as examples of antisemitism. Critics believe that this definition could limit freedom of expression and lead to the censorship of legitimate activities for Palestinian rights.
Widespread Differences in the Left Wing of Italy
This dispute showcases broader differences within the left wing of Italy regarding the Gaza war. The Democratic Party of Italy has condemned the violence but has adopted a more cautious tone compared to its allies, the Five Star Movement and the Left Green Alliance (AVS). These two parties have criticized Israel for war crimes, an accusation that Israel has denied.
Most representatives of the Democratic Party of Italy abstained in the Italian Senate vote earlier this year when this bill was passed, but a small group voted in favor, reflecting internal party divisions. The bill now needs final approval in the House of Representatives.
Chiara Braga, the party leader in the House of Representatives, said last week: "We ask the majority to respond to our request to change this divisive definition and clarify that those who express their criticisms of the actions of the Israeli government cannot be accused of antisemitism."
Emanuele Fiano, a party representative and the child of a Holocaust survivor who supports this bill, criticized the party's decision not to support it, saying: "I cannot see the fight against antisemitism as an obstacle to criticisms of the (Benjamin) Netanyahu government, the Israeli army, or the violence of settlers."
The AVS party and the Five Star Movement voted against this proposal. Nicola Fratoianni, co-leader of AVS, said: "There is no doubt that on an issue like antisemitism, a public vote is desirable, but there is also no doubt that this bill needs to be changed because it is fundamentally flawed."
Supporters of this bill believe that in light of the increase in antisemitic incidents following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Gaza war, there is a need for stricter measures. The Italian Antisemitism Observatory recorded 963 cases in 2025, more than double the number reported in 2022.
