Slovenia became the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel tonight, Slovenian media reported. The decision came after repeated statements by Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob that if the European Union does not adopt concrete measures against Israel by mid-July, Slovenia will take independent action, BTA reports.
"Slovenia consistently and in principle advocates for compliance with international law and the protection of human rights," a government statement said. Slovenia recognized Palestine as a state in June last year, and this month adopted a unilateral measure and declared Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata. Yesterday, the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed a note of protest to the Israeli Ambassador to Austria, also accredited to Slovenia, Ruth Koen-Dar.
At a recent conference on a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue at the UN headquarters in New York, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon called on the remaining UN members that have not yet done so to recognize Palestine and criticized the destruction of Gaza. She also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called Slovenia a hero of Europe and praised its efforts for a two-state solution.
„The result is shameful: people in Gaza are dying because they are systematically denied humanitarian aid. They are dying under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food and basic medical care. This is a complete denial of humanitarian access and a deliberate prevention of basic conditions for survival. In such circumstances, it is the duty of every responsible state to take action, even if it means taking a step ahead of others," Golob said last night, quoted by the Slovenian publication "24ur".
The measure, adopted at a remote government meeting, is the result of a recent meeting at the level of European Union foreign ministers, where no agreement was reached to take action against Israel for violating human rights. Amidst the division in the EU, the Slovenian Prime Minister stated even before this meeting that Slovenia would take action together with other like-minded member states if the EU does not take unified measures against Israel.
"In view of the armed conflicts and the resulting serious and manifest violations of international law, humanitarian law and human rights by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, on the basis of Article 5 of the Act on the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, orders the Ministry of Defence to consistently implement Article 77 of the Defence Act and the Regulation on Consents and Permits for the Production of Military Weapons and Equipment, as well as Prior Authorisations for the Import, Export, Transit and Transfer of Defence Products, in the sense of prohibiting the export and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through the Republic of Slovenia to Israel and the import from Israel to the Republic of Slovenia, with the exception of equipment that is necessary in the Republic of Slovenia for security and stability", the decision reads. last night.
From October 1, 2023 to June 20, 2023, Slovenia exported to Israel 19 pieces of roughly processed forgings for a 120-mm mortar worth 94,905 euros, 13 free samples of roughly processed aluminum castings and 203 pieces of roughly processed aluminum castings worth 4,000 euros, recalls the Slovenian edition of the regional television En 1. However, the permits for these shipments were issued before the "Hamas" attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Since the start of the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, the Slovenian Ministry of Defense has not adopted a single decision to export military weapons and equipment to Israel, notes the Slovenian national television RTV Slo.
However, the transit of weapons through Slovenia to Israel has been possible, with only three permits issued for the transit of weapons from non-EU countries through Slovenia to Israel from October 2023 to date. A few weeks ago, Slovenian Defense Minister Borut Sajovic explained that the ministry “does not issue transit permits, nor does it keep records of the type and quantity of defense products“ in the case of the transit of defense products from EU member states to Israel. “As a result, the ministry does not make a decision in the procedure because it does not receive an application and is generally not aware of the quantity and type of defense products in transit,“ he added.
Now that Slovenia has become the first EU member state to impose an arms embargo on Israel, the transit of weapons from other member states will be impossible. In addition, Prime Minister Golob announced last night that the government will prepare several more national measures against the current Israeli government in the coming weeks.