Slovenia Repeals Israel Restrictions, Restores Political Dialogue
The conservative government said the reversal will restore normal political dialogue and expand cooperation in security, innovation and the economy, officials said.
- On Thursday, Prime Minister Janez Janša's government revoked Slovenia's 2025 ban on arms exports and transit to Israel, along with political and economic restrictions imposed by the previous administration under Robert Golob.
- The Defense Ministry stated the prior arms embargo was unnecessary because arms transactions remain governed by existing national legislation and European Union rules already in place.
- Janša also lifted entry bans on Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bezalel Smotrich, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, while Jerusalem announced plans to open an embassy in Ljubljana soon.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar praised Janša as a "courageous leader" and "true friend of Israel," describing the move as strengthening bilateral ties between Jerusalem and Ljubljana.
- Officials intend to expand cooperation in innovation, cybersecurity, and agriculture, while the Czech Republic opposes potential European Union sanctions against Israeli officials, signaling preference for pragmatic dialogue.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Slovenia's new government announces it will lift sanctions on Israel
The decision lifted the embargo on arms imports and exports between the two countries and ended the boycott on products from Israeli settlements. The move reflects the new policy direction of Prime Minister Janez Janša, who is seen as supportive of Israel and close to Netanyahu
The government's decision to lift measures against Israel adopted by the previous government has been met with criticism from the opposition, who warn that Slovenia is being placed "on the wrong side of history" and that the move represents a clear departure from international law.
The new populist Prime Minister Janez Janša is taking a turn in Slovenia's Israeli policy. Bans on entry and import restrictions have been lifted.
Nova konzervativna slovenačka vlada danas je ukiula zabranu ulaska u zemlju za zraelskog preijera Benjamin Netanyahua i dva njegova ministra obeležavajući promenu politike prema Izraelu koju je sledila prethodna vlada levog centrum.
Slovenia cancels all measures against Israel, Czech Republic blocks sanctions on Ben
New Slovenian leadership reverses previous restrictions and arms embargo, while Czech Foreign Minister says Prague will stop EU sanctions on Israeli ministers, paving way for expanded cooperation
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