Slovenia lifts arms embargo, entry ban on Israeli PM and ministers

Slovenia’s new conservative government has reversed a series of pro-Palestinian measures adopted by its predecessor, lifting an arms embargo on Israel and scrapping entry bans on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

The government of Prime Minister Janez Janša, which took office last week, said the move would help restore normal political relations with Israel. It also allowed the expiration of an arms embargo imposed by the previous administration, arguing that existing national laws and EU export rules provide sufficient oversight.

In another policy shift, the government lifted a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, reversing a measure introduced under former Prime Minister Robert Golob.

The changes come as Israel seeks to strengthen ties with Slovenia. Last week, Israel announced plans to open an embassy in the country, signaling what both sides hope will be a new phase in bilateral relations.

Since assuming office, Janša’s administration has also removed a Palestinian flag that had been displayed on the government building since Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state in 2024.

Relations between Israel and Slovenia had deteriorated under Golob’s center-left government, which imposed restrictions over the war in Gaza and described Israel’s military campaign in the enclave as “genocide.”