Slovenia Declares Israeli PM Netanyahu Persona Non Grata Amid Gaza Actions

Slovenia Imposes Travel Ban on Israeli Prime Minister

Ljubljana, Slovenia – On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Slovenia officially declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persona non grata, effectively imposing a travel ban on him. The decision, announced by the Slovenian government following a cabinet session, cites ongoing international legal proceedings and Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as primary reasons. This move makes Slovenia the first European Union member state to implement such a measure against the Israeli leader.

Reasons Cited: International Law and Gaza Conflict

Neva Grasic (also spelled Grašič), State Secretary at the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry, stated that the decision follows 'ongoing proceedings against Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity.' She highlighted an existing arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024 against Netanyahu for alleged crimes in Gaza, including murder and forced starvation. Grasic also referenced a July 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which found that several Israeli policies and practices violated international humanitarian and human rights law.

Furthermore, the Slovenian government pointed to a report from September 16, 2025, by the UN Human Rights Council's independent investigative commission on Gaza, which concluded that Israel's actions amounted to genocide. Grasic noted that this marked 'the first time the UN described Israel's conduct in Gaza as genocidal.' Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, 'we must stop the genocide in Gaza.'

Slovenia's Consistent Stance on Gaza and Palestine

This declaration is the latest in a series of actions taken by Slovenia regarding the conflict. The country had previously barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in July 2025, accusing them of inciting violence and human rights violations with 'genocidal statements.' In August 2025, Slovenia imposed an arms embargo on Israel and banned imports of products from occupied Palestinian territories.

Slovenia also officially recognized the State of Palestine in June 2024, a significant diplomatic gesture within the European Union. The Slovenian government emphasized that the measure against Netanyahu 'is not directed against the Israeli people, but sends a clear message to the government of Israel that Slovenia expects full respect for the rulings of international courts and international humanitarian law.' Alongside the travel ban, Slovenia approved a €1.2 million ($1.3 million) contribution to support the functioning of the Palestinian Authority.