Slovenia lifts ban on arms trade with Israel
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- Slovenia's government has revoked a 2025 ban on the export, transit, and most arms imports involving Israel, citing that existing national laws and EU regulations sufficiently govern arms trade controls.
- The original 2025 ban, introduced under then-Prime Minister Robert Golob, was the first such embargo by an EU country and excluded equipment necessary for Slovenia's security.
- The policy shift follows the election of Prime Minister Janez Jansa, a strong supporter of Israel, who has promoted closer Slovenia-Israel relations, including the approval of an Israeli embassy in Slovenia.
- Jansa has publicly condemned Golob's recognition of Palestine as illegal and affirmed Israel's right to self-defense, contrasting with Golob's government, which had taken a more hostile stance toward Israel.
- Under Golob, Slovenia recognized Palestine in 2024 and imposed sanctions on Israeli figures, marking a significant diplomatic shift reversed by the current administration.