Elisabetta Belloni, head of Italy's intelligence agency DIS, has announced her resignation effective January 15, months before her term was set to end in May.

Belloni, a seasoned diplomat, stated her decision was made over time and denied rumors of a new role alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Speculation surrounds her departure, with reports of tensions with Deputy Minister Alfredo Mantovano and disagreements over a potential cybersecurity deal with Elon Musk.

The government is now tasked with finding a successor to lead DIS, which oversees Italy's intelligence agencies, amid ongoing challenges, including the case of journalist Cecilia Sala detained in Iran.