Slovenia on Wednesday declared a ban on goods imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it a symbolic measure to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as reported by AFP.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Slovenian government condemned the actions of the Israeli government as violations of international humanitarian law. It stated that Slovenia cannot and should not be complicit in a system that permits or overlooks such violations, which include the construction of illegal settlements, land seizures, and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The measure, which also blocks any efforts to bypass the restriction, is part of a broader set of diplomatic actions by the Slovenian government. Last week, it introduced an arms embargo on Israel and previously barred far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country.
Slovenia’s latest action signals a direct response to Israeli government policies, which it says hinder prospects for lasting peace and a two-state solution. The government also revealed that it is reviewing the possibility of banning exports from Slovenia bound for illegal settlements, adding it would then decide on further measures.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon described the ban as ‘symbolic’ and emphasized that it is a vital step in addressing the continuing humanitarian and security crisis in Gaza.
As reported by the STA news agency, citing a government statement from January, Slovenia recorded no imports from Israeli settlements in 2022 and 2024. In 2023, imports totaled only around 2,000 euros. Earlier in July, Slovenia became the first EU member state to prohibit entry to Israeli ministers.
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