Slovenia imposes journey ban on Israeli PM Netanyahu – JURIST

Slovenia announced on Thursday that it had imposed a journey ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, turning into the primary European Union (EU) nation to focus on the Israeli chief with such a measure. The authorities mentioned the transfer “follows measures already adopted against two extremist Israeli ministers” earlier this yr.

Neva Grasic, Secretary of State at Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry, acknowledged on X that “proceedings are underway against the Israeli Prime Minister for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity,” additional 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 authorities added that the choice 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 earlier actions, together with recognizing Palestine as a state on June 5, 2024, being the primary EU nation to impose an arms embargo on Israel on July 31, 2025, and banning journey for Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over their “genocidal statements” and incitement of violence in opposition to Palestinians on July 17, 2025.

Slovenia, as an ICC member state, is obligated to comply with the courtroom’s directives, together with arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The journey ban on Netanyahu makes Slovenia one of many first nations dedicated to implementing these ICC warrants.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon has announced that the Slovenian delegation is not going to be current throughout Friday’s speech by Netanyahu on the eightieth session of the UN General Assembly.