SRINAGAR: Slovenia announced a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, intensifying its diplomatic stance against Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The move follows Ljubljana’s recognition of the State of Palestine last year and a July decision to ban two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers from entering the country.
In a statement posted on the government’s official X account, Neva Grašič, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, said the decision underscored Slovenia’s principled foreign policy. “With this action Slovenia confirms its commitment to international law, the universal values of human rights and a principled and consistent foreign policy,” she declared.
The Government of 🇸🇮 decided to sanction Benjamin #Netanyahu, PM of the State of #Israel 🇮🇱, after previously having barred two extremist Cabinet ministers.
Mr Netanyahu is subject to proceedings for his responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Already in July… pic.twitter.com/PAlrccb2oj
— MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) September 25, 2025
The travel restriction comes at a time when Israel faces mounting international criticism over civilian casualties in Gaza and alleged violations of humanitarian law. Slovenia has positioned itself among European nations pressing for accountability, joining Ireland and Spain in calls for stronger measures against Israeli leadership.
While Israel has yet to officially respond, analysts note the ban represents one of the strongest symbolic actions taken by a European Union member state against Netanyahu personally.
