Slovenia lifts ban on arms trade with Israel; Sa’ar lauds ‘just decision’ by new PM

Slovenia’s government revokes a 2025 decision banning the export and transit of weapons and military equipment to Israel, as well as most arms imports from the country, the Defense Ministry says.

The ministry says the ban, introduced in July, is no longer necessary as the trade in arms is already governed by national law and European Union rules. It adds that existing legislation and regulations already define licensing procedures and controls, and today’s decision is also aligned with the EU Common Position on arms export controls.

The 2025 measure barred the export, transit of military goods to Israel and imports from Israel, exempting equipment needed for Slovenia’s security.

The measure was introduced under then-prime minister Robert Golob, who said Slovenia was the first EU country to impose such an embargo. In June, Slovenia’s parliament approved Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s center-right government, ending a political deadlock since a March election produced no outright majority. The new leader has reversed many of his predecessor’s anti-Israel measures, setting Jerusalem and Ljubljana on a new diplomatic path.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomes the Jansa’s “swift and just decision to lift the distorted anti-Israeli measures taken by Slovenia’s previous government,” calling him a “bold leader and a true friend of Israel.”