New Slovenia government reverses anti-Israeli measures introduced under previous PM

Slovenia’s new conservative government, led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, has removed the anti-Israeli measures introduced by the previous government under former Prime Minister Robert Golob.

On Thursday, the new government abolished an entry ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two Israeli government ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. A ban on imports from Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and the prohibition on arms trade between Slovenia and Israel were also lifted.

The arms trade ban, introduced in July 2025, prohibited the export and transit of weapons and military equipment to Israel, as well as most arms imports from Israel, with an exception for equipment required for Slovenia's own security. According to a statement from Slovenia's Ministry of Defense, the ban was lifted because it was "no longer necessary," as arms trade is already regulated under Slovenian law and European Union rules.

“This will restore the conditions for a normal political dialogue with Israel,” Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, adding that the move would help “strengthen the role of the Republic of Slovenia in the efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East.”

In addition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that “the expansion of bilateral cooperation will create additional opportunities for cooperation with Israel in areas of common interest, such as innovation, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, water management, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, science, protection and rescue, and economic cooperation.”

“The position on finding a solution that will enable peaceful and secure coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians on the basis of dialogue also remains unchanged,” the statement added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the lifting of the anti-Israeli bans by the new government.

“I commend Slovenian PM @JJansaSDS for his swift and just decision to lift the distorted anti-Israeli measures taken by Slovenia’s previous government,” Sa’ar wrote on 𝕏. “PM Janša is a bold leader and a true friend of Israel. We will do great things together!”

On June 4, Sa’ar had announced Israel's decision to open its first-ever embassy in Slovenia.

“Today, I am proud to announce that Israel will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana. The election of Prime Minister @JJansaSDS marks a new chapter in relations between Israel and Slovenia,” Sa’ar wrote on 𝕏, adding that the time had come to “turn a new page.”

“After years of the hostility of the previous government – we now have an opportunity to rebuild, strengthen, and deepen a real partnership. An Israeli embassy is more than a diplomatic mission. It is a statement of friendship, dialogue, and a shared belief in freedom, democracy, and security. We are turning today a new page. When Israel’s friends return to power – Israel returns,” Sa’ar added.

Since taking office, Janša’s government has also removed a Palestinian flag that had been displayed on the government building following Slovenia's official recognition of a Palestinian state in 2024.