Slovenia bans trade in weapons with Israel due to the conflict

• Slovenia has become the first EU country to ban trade in weapons with Israel.
• The decision was made in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Earlier, Slovenia recognized Palestine as an independent state.

Slovenia announced the ban on the import, export, and transit of all types of weapons to and from Israel in response to actions by the country in Gaza. This step marks the first such decision among EU countries.

The ban was announced on September 1, 2025, by Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob. He stated that Israel's actions constitute serious violations of international law, and that Palestinians "are dying, as they are systematically deprived of humanitarian aid."

Earlier, in July 2025, Slovenia banned the visit of two Israeli ministers, accusing them of inciting racism. In June 2024, the Slovenian parliament adopted a decree recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

Golob emphasized that Slovenia can no longer wait for the EU's decision, which remains divided in its approach to the conflict. "Every responding state must act, even if it means taking steps earlier than others," he said.

This move comes amid growing international criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is worsening. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, have also taken steps to limit arms sales to Israel, but none of them have formally announced a complete ban.

Tags: Europe/Middle East/Politics