Slovenia bans “Israeli” settlements products

Slovenia has officially banned the import of goods produced in “Israeli” settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, a move the government stated is a response to "serious and repeated violations of international humanitarian law" by “Israel”.

Prime Minister Robert Golob said that “Israel's” actions, including illegal settlement construction and forced displacement, undermine international order.

While the economic impact of the ban is expected to be minimal, affecting less than 2,000 euros in goods in 2023, its significance is primarily diplomatic and political.

This action follows a series of increasingly firm stances by Slovenia, which has positioned itself as a vocal critic of “Israel” within the European Union.

Previously, Slovenia became the first EU country to impose a comprehensive ban on all weapons trade with “Israel” on August 1, 2025.

In early July 2025, it also declared two far-right “Israeli” ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, as persona non grata for allegedly inciting "genocidal statements" and extreme violence.

In June 2024, Slovenia's parliament recognized Palestinian statehood, aligning with Ireland, Norway, and Spain.

Slovenian officials have stated they are acting "independently" due to the European Union's "internal disagreements and disunity" in adopting concrete measures regarding the conflict.

The international community, including the UN and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), widely considers “Israeli” settlements illegal under international law, a position reaffirmed by an ICJ advisory opinion in July 2024.

This ruling also clarified that third states are obligated not to recognize or assist in maintaining the unlawful situation arising from the settlements.