Slovenia has become the first European Union nation to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, prohibiting all imports, exports, and transit of weapons, as announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob on thursday.
The decision, driven by Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, reflects Slovenia’s frustration with the EU’s inability to act cohesively due to internal disagreements.
Emphasizing the country’s unilateral action, the government said in a statement:
Slovenia is the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel.
The government also highlighted that no permits for military exports to Israel have been issued since October 2023, underscoring its commitment to halting support for the conflict.
Slovenia’s embargo follows its earlier decision to declare 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 “genocidal statements.”
The government condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and many face starvation due to a blockade systematically denying humanitarian aid.
“People in Gaza are dying because they are systematically denied humanitarian aid. They are dying under rubble, without access to drinking water, food and basic healthcare,” the government stated.
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon reiterated Slovenia’s resolve, saying, “We support the suspension of Israel’s Accession Agreement, all trade sanctions, an arms embargo, sanctions against settlers, and ministers who support violence.”
Slovenia’s actions, including its recognition of Palestinian statehood in June 2024, position it as a vocal critic of Israel within the EU.
The government protested to the Israeli ambassador on the embargo’s announcement day, decrying the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and signaling further measures against Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law.
President Natasa Pirc Musar previously urged the EU to take stronger action, labeling Israel’s war a genocide, while the United Nations warned that nearly half a million Palestinians could face famine by September 2025.
Slovenia’s pioneering embargo may inspire other nations, with France, the UK, and Canada recently signaling potential recognition of Palestinian statehood unless Israel halts its military campaign.