In a landmark decision within the European Union, Slovenia has officially barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory. The move, announced Thursday, designates both officials as persona non grata due to their inflammatory rhetoric and alleged incitement of violence against Palestinians.
Slovenian authorities cited the ministers’ public endorsement of settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and their support for policies described as ethnic cleansing, including actions in Gaza.
The government condemned their statements as promoting extreme violence and serious violations of human rights.
“This is a pioneering step for the EU,” said Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. “We are sending a clear message to the Israeli leadership: the killing of innocent civilians must stop.”
The decision follows similar travel bans imposed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, which sanctioned the ministers earlier this year.
Slovenia has taken an increasingly assertive stance on the Gaza conflict. Last year, it formally recognized Palestinian statehood, joining Ireland, Spain, and Norway in a symbolic show of support. Prime Minister Robert Golob recently criticized EU member states for prioritizing national interests over human rights, urging the bloc to take concrete action in response to the humanitarian crisis.
Slovenia has also signaled readiness to coordinate with like-minded nations should the EU fail to act decisively within the coming weeks.
