Slovenia lifts Israel arms ban

Slovenia's government, under newly approved Prime Minister Janez Janša, has revoked a 2025 decision that banned the export and transit of weapons and military equipment to Israel, as well as most arms imports from the country. The previous ban was introduced in July 2025 by then-Prime Minister Robert Golob, who stated Slovenia was the first EU country to impose such an embargo. The Defence Ministry stated that the ban is no longer necessary as arms trade is already governed by national law and European Union rules. This decision aligns with the EU Common Position on arms export controls. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar welcomed the move, calling Prime Minister Janez Janša a 'bold leader and a true friend of Israel'. This reversal signifies a new diplomatic path for Slovenia, moving away from the anti-Israel measures of the previous administration, which included recognizing Palestine as a state and imposing a travel ban on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.