Slovenia has become the first European Union country to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, banning the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from the country. This decision comes in response to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns and loss of life.
Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the embargo after a government session, stating, “Slovenia is the first European country to ban the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from Israel.” The Slovenian government emphasized that it was taking this step independently due to the EU’s inability to adopt concrete measures, citing “internal disagreements and disunity” within the bloc.
The government highlighted the devastating impact of the war in Gaza, where “people are dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied them.” In light of this, Slovenia believes it is the “duty of every responsible state to take action, even if it means taking a step ahead of others.” Notably, Slovenia had already refrained from issuing permits for the export of military weapons and equipment to Israel since October 2023 due to the conflict.
This move is part of Slovenia’s broader stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. In June 2024, the country’s parliament passed a decree recognizing Palestinian statehood, aligning with other European countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain. Slovenia has also been vocal about advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and increasing aid deliveries to the war-torn area.
Recently, Slovenia declared two far-right Israeli ministers persona non grata, accusing them of inciting “extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians” with their statements. This decision was made in early July, further straining relations between Slovenia and Israel.
The international community has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with human rights groups and United Nations experts comparing the situation to a genocide. Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, and many more are at risk of dying from hunger due to Israel’s blockade of the territory. Countries like South Africa have brought cases before the International Court of Justice, alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
In contrast, the United States has maintained its unwavering support for Israel throughout the conflict. US President Donald Trump has warned that recognizing Palestinian statehood would serve as a “reward” to Hamas. However, other countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, sparking debate and controversy in the international arena.