Stuck in the Middle Between Venice and Camp David: Italy and the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), 1981–82

Abstract In winter 1981–82, Italy decided to join the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), a peacekeeping force set up by the U.S. Administration to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from the Sinai Peninsula. It was the first time that Italian troops were sent abroad short of UN aegis since 1945. The MFO is, in fact, the first step of Italy’s long-standing commitment towards peacekeeping operations. This article examines the decision-making process that led Italy to such an unprecedented turn, delving into the role of international, regional, and domestic factors.