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Slovenia has announced it will impose a complete ban on arms trade with Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, making it the first European Union member state to take such a step.
The Slovenian government, which has consistently criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza, said the decision covers the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from Israel. The move, confirmed on Thursday, is part of the country’s broader diplomatic response to what it views as a worsening humanitarian crisis.
“Slovenia is the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel,” a government statement declared, adding that the decision was taken independently due to the EU’s inability to act collectively during internal divisions.
The statement described the situation in Gaza as dire, with people dying as humanitarian aid is systematically blocked. “It is the duty of every responsible state to take action, even if it means taking a step ahead of others,” it said.
Slovenia also noted it had not issued any permits for the export of military equipment to Israel since October 2023, when the war in Gaza escalated following the Hamas attacks on Israel.
Earlier this month, Slovenia took the unprecedented step of barring two far-right Israeli ministers from entering its territory. The government declared the pair persona non grata, accusing them of promoting “extreme violence” and making “genocidal statements” that contributed to human rights violations against Palestinians.
In another major diplomatic gesture, Slovenia’s parliament voted in June 2024 to recognise Palestinian statehood, joining Ireland, Norway, and Spain in moves widely interpreted as condemnation of Israel’s bombardment in Gaza.
