In a decisive move that has caught international attention, Slovenia has announced a ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from entering its borders. The Eastern European nation, home to just over 2 million people, stated on Thursday that the ban serves as a firm gesture in defense of international law and humanitarian principles.
The ban comes in the wake of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, holding him accountable for actions related to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. A Slovenian Foreign Ministry official, Neva Grasic, confirmed the development to the country’s official STA news agency.
Slovenia’s stance is not new. In 2023, it recognized the State of Palestine, aligning itself with global voices pushing for peace, justice, and accountability in the Middle East. With this move, Slovenia is reinforcing that commitment, becoming one of the few European Union countries to publicly distance itself from Israeli leadership over alleged violations of international law.
Slovenia had already previously banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, and had implemented an arms embargo on Israel. These steps reflect a growing unease among certain nations about Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the continued military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn condemnation for civilian casualties and alleged breaches of humanitarian law.
“All countries that are bound by the international court, including Slovenia, must not recognise the situation resulting from Israel’s illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, and must not offer any support in maintaining this situation,” Grasic emphasized.
Taking to social media platform X, the Slovenian government declared:
“This decision sends a clear message to the state of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent respect for the decisions of international courts and international humanitarian law.”
Slovenia also reiterated that this move reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding international law, universal human rights, and a principled, consistent foreign policy—even when doing so may draw political criticism or create diplomatic tensions.
