Flights and trains canceled as anti-Israel activists rally against Italian PM

By Reuters 28 November 2025, 5:17 pm

1 Edit

Neturei Karta Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, right, attends an anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian demonstration as part of the nationwide General Strike, in Genoa, Italy, on November 28, 2025. (Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

ROME, Italy — Strikes and protests in Italy against Giorgia Meloni’s government cause the cancellation of dozens of flights and disrupted train services around the country.

The hardline USB union and smaller worker organizations call the one-day action against the government’s plans to raise military spending and its support for Israel.

Recent years have seen the emergence of the USB as an aggressive grassroots union which is challenging the traditional dominance of the three main confederations, the left-wing CGIL and the centrist CISL and UIL.

Milan’s Malpensa canceled at least 27 flights, while Bologna scrapped at least 17. Other affected airports include Milan’s Linate, Naples, and Venice.

Italy’s flagship carrier ITA Airways says it canceled 26 domestic flights due to the strikes.

Train cancellations are announced in the main stations of Rome, Turin, Milan and Genoa, and protests prevented trains from stopping at the smaller Milan station of Lambrate.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg (C) and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila (C left) march during an anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian demonstration as part of the nationwide General Strike, in Genoa, Italy, on November 28, 2025 (Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)

Urban public transport services are disrupted in Rome and several other cities.

Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters march in Turin, many waving Palestinian flags, and another pro-Gaza march in Genoa is attended by UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights Francesca Albanese and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.

Members of the ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Neturei Karta group joined the rally in Genoa, as did Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who has been detained by Israel twice after taking part in two flotillas attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.

In Venice, activists blocked access to the offices of Italian defense group Leonardo before they were dispersed by police using water cannon.

The USB has organized another national day of protest on Saturday against what it calls Meloni’s “war budget,” saying the 2026 financial bill favors military spending over much-needed investment in health, education, and welfare.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.