Slovenian government lifts Israel arms embargo, bans and removes Palestinian flag

Prime Minister Janez Janša’s new centre‑right government in Slovenia overturned the measures adopted by the previous Robert Golob administration against Israel. On Thursday the cabinet revoked the July‑2025 decision that barred the export, transit and import of military equipment to and from Israel, stating that existing national and EU regulations already control such trade. The government also cancelled the import ban on products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and lifted entry bans on Israeli officials Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

At the same time, the Slovenian authorities removed the Palestinian flag that had been displayed on the façade of the government building by the former left‑liberal administration. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the reversal, saying, “Premier Janša is a decisive leader and a true friend of Israel. Together we will achieve great things.” The defence ministry noted that the weapons trade is sufficiently regulated under current laws. The policy shift also follows a scandal involving the Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube, which had been linked to Janša’s pre‑election campaign.

These actions signal a rapid realignment of Slovenia’s foreign policy toward Israel, aiming to restore diplomatic dialogue and cooperation while drawing criticism from opposition parties.