Slovenia announces imposition of arms embargo on Israel

Slovenia announces imposition of arms embargo on Israel
Slovenia imposes arms embargo on Israel / bne IntelliNews
By bnm Gulf bureau August 2, 2025

Slovenia imposed an embargo on exports, imports and transit of arms to Israel, becoming the first European country to take such action, Prime Minister Robert Golob announced following a government session, local media reported on July 31.

The measure follows Slovenia's decision two weeks earlier to declare Israeli ministers persona non grata, escalating diplomatic tensions between the European Union member state and Israel. Slovenia's decision to impose the arms embargo demonstrates increasing European pressure on Israel over its conduct in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

Slovenia recognised a Palestinian state in June last year and has since repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased aid deliveries to the enclave, according to state news agency STA.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to salvage Gaza truce talks and address the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

Some 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by the more than two-year war with Israel since the initial October 7, 2023, Hamas and Islamic Jihad attacks on Israeli territory.

Slovenia’s latest move follows French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot's announcement on July 31 that fifteen countries have issued a joint declaration expressing their collective intention to recognise the State of Palestine, marking a growing international momentum toward Palestinian statehood.

Among the signatories are G20 members Canada and Australia, who joined the call along with Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. Nine of these nations, including Australia and Canada, have not yet formally recognised Palestine but have now publicly indicated a positive interest or readiness to do so.

Israeli media reported that the joint declaration was coordinated with countries that have already recognised Palestine or announced their intention to do so, such as Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Norway, France, and Malta.

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