Slovenia becomes first EU state to ban arms trade with Israel over Gaza genocide
Ljubljana cites EU inaction and Gaza humanitarian crisis in landmark decision, plans more national measures against Israeli government
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (MNTV) — Slovenia has become the first European Union member state to formally ban the import, export, and transit of weapons and military equipment to and from Israel, citing grave violations of international humanitarian law and the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob’s government, signals a major shift in Slovenia’s foreign policy and reflects growing European discontent with Israel’s military actions in the besieged enclave.
“This move shows our commitment to international law and human rights,” Golob said, adding that Slovenia would not wait for consensus in Brussels.
“Responsible states must act, even if it means stepping ahead of others.”
The Slovenian government criticized the European Union’s failure to take meaningful action on Gaza due to internal divisions. In a statement, it said: “Because of political disunity, the EU is currently unable to act decisively. That failure costs lives.”
The government condemned Israel’s systematic denial of humanitarian aid to Gaza, accusing the Israeli military of preventing access to food, water, and medical care.
“This is a complete denial of humanitarian access and a conscious prevention of the basic conditions for survival,” the statement said.
Slovenia said it would prepare additional national measures against the current Israeli administration, whose conduct, it argued, “constitutes serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
The arms embargo builds on Slovenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in 2024 and follows a recent decision to bar entry to two far-right Israeli ministers accused of inciting violence. Officials indicated more measures could follow in the coming weeks.
Ljubljana’s action comes amid mounting calls across Europe for accountability over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain have recently taken steps to diplomatically isolate Israel, marking what analysts see as a growing divide within the EU over the conflict.
The move also comes as Israeli forces intensify airstrikes across Gaza, reportedly killing at least 86 Palestinians in a single day, including 71 people who were trying to reach humanitarian aid points.
Over 60,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, according to health officials in the enclave.
Israel is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Slovenia’s latest decision is seen as a potential catalyst for broader policy changes within the European Union, as momentum builds toward more assertive responses to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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