"Slovenia is the first European country to prohibit the import, export, and transfer of military equipment to and from Israel," the Slovenian government announced on 31/7. The government added that it acted independently of the EU due to internal disagreements preventing the bloc from taking concrete measures.
Slovenia stated that the people in the Gaza Strip are "dying due to the systematic denial of humanitarian aid." Ljubljana affirmed that every responsible nation has an obligation to act, even if it means "taking the lead."
The Slovenian government also noted that it has not issued any permits for the export of weapons and military equipment to Israel since October 2023 because of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli media quoted an unnamed Israeli official who dismissed the move as meaningless, since Tel Aviv doesn't purchase any arms from Slovenia. "We don’t buy so much as a pin from them. Slovenia imposed the ban simply for media purposes, and they can do that, but it's completely meaningless," the official said.
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Slovenia's booth at the Eurosatory 2024 arms exhibition. Photo: SPIRIT Slovenia |
Slovenia's booth at the Eurosatory 2024 arms exhibition. Photo: SPIRIT Slovenia
The Slovenian government has frequently criticized Israel for its campaign in the Gaza Strip. The Slovenian Parliament recognized the State of Palestine in June 2024, partly due to Israel's bombing of the territory.
In July, Slovenia became the first EU country to ban two far-right Israeli ministers from entering the country. Ljubljana declared the two officials "persona non grata," accusing them of "inciting extreme violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians by making genocidal statements."
Slovenia's latest move comes as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorates, prompting increased international pressure on Israel. Portugal announced on 31/7 its intention to recognize the State of Palestine in September, following similar plans by several Western countries including the UK, France, and Canada.
Pham Giang (AFP, Times of Israel)
