The intensified Taranto strike affects both politics and logistics. A crippled Regia Marina would struggle to sustain the North African army, making Operation Compass and the fall of Tobruk still more dangerous to Mussolini's authority. The Italian king might seek neutrality or join the monarchies against dictatorship. An Italian exit would release Allied naval strength for the Atlantic. If Italy joined the Allies, German forces already present could be taken prisoner.
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A shattered battlefleet could force Italy out of the war
If Taranto destroys Italy's ability to supply North Africa, defeats ashore could remove Mussolini and release Allied naval strength for the Atlantic months earlier.