LJUBLJANA, September 25, 2025 (WAFA) – Slovenia on Thursday imposed a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"With this action Slovenia confirms its commitment to international law, the universal values of human rights and a principled and consistent foreign policy," Neva Grasic, the Secretary of State at the Foreign Ministry, said, according to the government's X account.

Slovenia's foreign ministry announced the sanctions against Netanyahu on Thursday, citing the ICC arrest warrant and the July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming the illegality of Israel's occupation and the obligations of third states not to recognise it.

"The most recent decision is not aimed against the people of Israel but, rather, sends a clear message to the State of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent implementation of decisions issued by international tribunals and respect of international humanitarian law," the statement read.

In August, Slovenia was the first EU country to impose an arms embargo on Israel, following its earlier move to declare two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, persona non grata, accusing them of making "genocidal statements" against Palestinians.

In June 2024, Slovenia recognized Palestine as an independent state and has been among the most vocal European nations in its criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar describing the onslaught as a genocide.

K.F.