Slovenia imposes arms embargo on Israel

After declaring Israeli ministers unwelcome, Slovenia takes next step

Photo: Reuters

Slovenia on Thursday imposed an embargo on exports, imports and transit of arms to Israel, two weeks after it declared Israeli ministers persona non grata, the state news agency STA reported citing a government statement.

The measure was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob after a government session. Golob said that Slovenia was the first European country to make such a move, STA reported.

Slovenia recognised a Palestinian state in June last year and has since repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased aid deliveries to the enclave.

Israel has denounced declarations last week by France, Britain and Canada that they may recognise a Palestinian state, saying that it would reward Hamas for its Oct 7, 2023 assault on Israeli territory.

Earlier on Thursday US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a bid to salvage Gaza truce talks and tackle a humanitarian crisis.