Slovenia has announced a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a move the government says is grounded in respect for international law and human rights.
The ban was imposed on September 25, and comes after Netanyahu was indicted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations of war crimes linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Slovenia’s Secretary of State at the Foreign Ministry, Neva Grasic, said the decision is intended to affirm the country’s commitment to international humanitarian law and decisions of international courts.
This action completes a growing pattern of sanctions by Slovenia against Israeli officials. Earlier in 2025, the country declared two far-right Israeli ministers —National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich— as persona non grata over what it termed “genocidal statements” and incitement of violence. Slovenia also imposed an arms embargo on Israel in August, banned imports from Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, and provided additional aid to Gaza.
By enacting the ban, Slovenia says it is delivering a “clear message” that all states party to international legal regimes must not be complicit in or supportive of individuals accused of violating international humanitarian laws. The government emphasised that its measures are aimed not at the people of Israel broadly, but at specific political figures and policies alleged to violate human rights.
Reactions to Slovenia’s decision vary. Supporters say it aligns with moral leadership and rule-of-law imperatives, especially amid international concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. Critics warn it may escalate diplomatic tensions with Israel and complicate Slovenia’s relations within the EU, particularly in coordinating foreign policy responses.
The ban is symbolic in legal terms, but carries potential consequences: should Netanyahu attempt to land or transit through Slovenia, he could face detention. It also underlines a sharper divide in Europe over how individual states handle foreign officials facing international legal scrutiny.
