Slovenia imposes travel ban on Israeli PM Netanyahu – JURIST
Slovenia announced on Thursday that it had imposed a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, becoming the first European Union (EU) nation to target the Israeli leader with such a measure. The government said the move “follows measures already adopted against two extremist Israeli ministers” earlier this year.
Neva Grasic, Secretary of State at Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry, stated on X that “proceedings are underway against the Israeli Prime Minister for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity,” further citing a July 19, 2024, ruling by the International Court of Justice that “several Israeli policies and practices violate both international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
The Slovenian government added that the decision sends “a clear message to the state of Israel that Slovenia expects consistent respect for the decisions of international courts and international humanitarian law.” By doing so, Slovenia “confirms its commitment to international law, universal values of human rights and a principled and consistent foreign policy.”
This ban builds upon Slovenia’s previous actions, including recognizing Palestine as a state on June 5, 2024, being the first EU nation to impose an arms embargo on Israel on July 31, 2025, and banning travel for Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over their “genocidal statements” and incitement of violence against Palestinians on July 17, 2025.
Slovenia, as an ICC member state, is obligated to follow the court’s directives, including arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The travel ban on Netanyahu makes Slovenia one of the first countries committed to enforcing these ICC warrants.
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon has announced that the Slovenian delegation will not be present during Friday’s speech by Netanyahu at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
