Italian withdrawal would remove troops, air support, and the naval supply system on which German operations in North Africa depended. In this scenario, the Afrika Korps could no longer sustain its campaign. Britain would have reasons to help Italian troops return home while taking German forces prisoner. A German invasion of Italy could then create a mountain front in northern Italy. Reinforcing that front would draw German troops away from other commitments, including the occupation of France.
Notable Point · 1:43:30-1:45:31
How Italian withdrawal could isolate the Afrika Korps
The loss of Italian supply and support could end the German North African campaign and open a new front in Italy.