Slovenia Imposes Travel Ban on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Slovenia has imposed a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the government announced in a statement on Thursday. The move follows Slovenia’s formal recognition of Palestine last year and the sanctions it imposed in July on two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers.

According to the government’s X account, State Secretary at the Foreign Ministry Neva Grašič said: “With this measure, Slovenia reaffirms its commitment to international law, the universal values of human rights, and a principled and consistent foreign policy.”

The EU member state had already imposed an arms embargo on Israel in August and banned imports of goods produced in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

Grašič said the decision against Netanyahu was taken because the International Criminal Court has charged him with committing war crimes in Gaza. Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and denies committing war crimes in the conflict.

“The public is aware that proceedings are underway against him for war crimes and crimes against humanity,” Grašič said. “With this decision, the government sends a clear message to the State of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent compliance with the rulings of international courts and international humanitarian law.”

Like several other European countries, the small Alpine nation has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid to the enclave.

In July, Slovenia banned the export, import, and transit of arms to and from Israel. Just two weeks earlier, the government declared Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata for making “genocidal statements” and inciting violence against Palestinians.

In August, Slovenia extended its sanctions by prohibiting imports of goods produced in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and approving an additional aid package for Palestinians in Gaza.