Slovenian government clarifies on arms embargo against Israel - EXCLUSIVE
In an exclusive interview with CE Report, the Government Communication Office of Slovenia clarified the recent decision to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, initiated by Prime Minister Robert Golob.
The Slovenian government confirmed on 31 July the prohibition of export and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through Slovenia to Israel, as well as imports from Israel to Slovenia. This decision follows repeated public statements by Prime Minister Golob, including at the European Council meeting in June, where he pledged independent action should the European Union fail to adopt concrete measures by mid-June.
“Due to internal disagreements and divisions, the European Union is currently unable to complete this task,” the government noted.
The statement emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, underscoring the severe consequences of blocked aid delivery.
“People in Gaza are dying because humanitarian aid is being systematically blocked. They are dying under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food, and basic medical care. What is happening is an absolute denial of humanitarian access and a deliberate restriction of fundamental conditions for survival,” the government stressed.
Slovenia declared its responsibility as a principled advocate for international law and human rights protection.
“In such situations, it is the duty of every responsible country to take action, even if it means taking this step before others do,” the statement said.
Looking ahead, the Slovenian government announced plans to prepare further national measures against the current Israeli Government, citing serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The government’s decision includes strict enforcement directives to the Ministry of Defence, which has not issued any permits for export of military weapons and equipment to Israel since October 2023 due to armed conflicts and associated breaches of international law.
In line with Article 5 of the Government Act and Article 77 of the Defence Act, the Ministry of Defence is tasked with rigorously controlling arms trade and transit, with exemptions only for equipment essential to Slovenia’s security and resilience.
The Ministry of Infrastructure of Slovenia, in cooperation with Defence, will oversee transit protocols by key logistics operators including Luka Koper and Slovenske železnice, ensuring timely reporting to relevant ministries.
“The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has instructed the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Infrastructure to report to it monthly on the implementation of the aforementioned measures,” the statement concluded.
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Abdul Karimkhanov
