Italian league leader Matteo Salvini has vowed to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move his country’s embassy there if the center-right coalition wins the Sept. 25 parliamentary elections.

In response to a question about the transfer of the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Salvini noted that “of course. I gave my word: I am fully committed to the people of Israel,” but pointed out that the issue requires the approval of his allies in the centre-right coalition.

Salvini also affirmed the Israelis’ right to defend themselves against Iran, adding: “A democracy like Israel has the right to defend itself against any threat to its existence and freedom, while Iran continues to pursue a dangerous policy towards peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Referring to the hypothesis of Russian influence in the Italian elections, Salvini emphasized that Italians “will vote”, accusing the leaders of the left of talking about alleged Russian influence because they are “looking for an excuse because they know who will win, as in Israel voting in Italy will be free and transparent.